Following a challenging 12-day conflict with Iran, Tel Aviv is set to re-energize its community and showcase its enduring resilience with the "HER Tel Aviv Summer Love Yourself Festival." This major, free-to-attend event, anticipated to draw thousands, marks a significant collaborative effort to unite Israelis and Olim (immigrants to Israel) in a shared celebration of self-love and community spirit, with a strong emphasis on female empowerment.
Slated for Thursday, July 31st, on Tel Aviv's vibrant Sheinkin Street, the festival is a joint initiative by HER Tel Aviv, the Tel Aviv Municipality, Beit Tami, and Nefesh B'Nefesh TLV. It arrives at a time when many in Israel are grappling with the aftermath of recent attacks, making the festival's focus on upliftment and connection particularly poignant.
Sivan Hadari Avneri, founder of HER Tel Aviv and herself an Oleh from New York, underscored the urgency of the event. "The need to connect the Olim and Israeli community and uplift spirits in Israel is extremely important right now for the people of this country and for those who have chosen to make Israel their home," she stated, adding that the festival offers a "beautiful and positive way" to achieve both goals. HER Tel Aviv supports over 3,000 women who have made Aliyah from more than 80 countries, providing a crucial network of support and empowerment for these new citizens.
What can attendees expect?
Attendees can anticipate a diverse program designed to invigorate and inspire, largely spearheaded by women. An "Olot night market" will feature over 60 female-driven businesses, showcasing everything from clothing and accessories to handmade jewelry and home décor, providing a platform for women entrepreneurs. An international food market will tantalize taste buds, while live concerts performed in three different languages promise vibrant entertainment.
The festival will also host nearly 40 workshops across four floors and seven rooms, all led by Olot. These sessions will delve into themes of self-love, health, wellness, empowerment, and personal growth, directly reflecting the festival's commitment to uplifting women. Further fostering connection, Fluent TLV, a popular language school, will run a language exchange café. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy hands-on cooking demonstrations of healthy summer recipes by Citrus & Salt Studio, run by two sisters who immigrated from the U.S. For those seeking laughter, the "Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad" comedy show will present top English-speaking female comedians from Israel.
While festival entry is free, workshops require a 35 shekel registration fee. The majority of the programming will be offered in English, with select sessions available in Spanish and French, ensuring broad accessibility for Tel Aviv's diverse population.