NEW YORK, May 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Star of David is the most universally recognized symbol of Judaism and perhaps one of the oldest recognizable symbols in human history. Despite its timeless beauty and instantly recognizable form, the Star of David has a history that is unknown to many. Artist and filmmaker Marc Bennett's "The History of the Star of David" artwork is a time capsule that invites us to discover the centuries-long evolution of this iconic star. "The History of the Star of David" offers a historical experience that evokes deep meaning and inspiration through the many iterations of this ubiquitous icon. What once represented degradation and death now inspires life, unity, and hope.
Soroka Medical Center and Marc Bennett have joined forces to create a unique philanthropic collaboration, which generates funds to support Soroka's live-saving mission. Ten percent of all worldwide art and merchandise sales will be donated to Soroka in perpetuity through this project. Limited edition prints in various sizes on metal and paper are available for sale at StarofDavidArt.com.
"This is a significant opportunity for Soroka Medical Center that will support our life-saving mission," states Dr. Shlomi Codish, Director General for Soroka Medical Center. "The artwork's intrinsic optimism for the future reflects Soroka's current strategic role for the State of Israel, enabling the transformative development of the Negev region."
The American Friends of Soroka Medical Center has commissioned Bennett to create a monumental depiction of his artwork, which will be the largest of its kind in the series. This permanent sculptural installation will become the focal point for Soroka's new Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and Dr. Larry Norton Institute's healing garden, set to be unveiled later this year at the Soroka campus in Be'er Sheva, Israel. Museum-sized depictions of this artwork are also being sold to generate additional funding streams. Many prestigious institutions have already acquired pieces of their own, they include; Yad Vashem, the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, Sinai Temple Los Angeles, the Aspen Jewish Community Center, and the Jona Goldrich Center for Digital Storytelling at the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education.
"The History of the Star of David transcends cultural barriers with its message of perseverance in overcoming adversity," remarks Dani Dayan, Ambassador Consul General of Israel in New York. "I believe it will quickly become a cultural landmark that will uplift all who view it at Soroka Medical Center, serving as a beacon of life and hope for the thriving communities of Israel's Negev region."
Looking to the future "The History of the Star of David" artwork is expected to generate additional streams of revenue through the licensing of the art for merchandise. Gale Branding, an award-winning creative marketing agency based in NYC, has been engaged as agency of record handling public relations and licensing related to "The History of the Star of David" artwork. Branded merchandise bearing the image of this artwork will eventually be sold in specialty retailers, museum gift shops, JCCs and Jewish centers worldwide and will provide a steady stream of funds to support Soroka's live-saving work.
About
"The History of the Star of David" by Marc Bennett is an artwork that explores the long and complex history of the Star of David through 18 iterations of its use spanning centuries. The artwork allows viewers to bear witness to the depths and heights of the journey of the Jewish people. "The History of the Star of David" artwork both inspires and educates the public on the development of this symbol and the meanings it has come to evoke as a result of its proliferation from remote antiquity up to the current State of Israel in the twenty-first century. It evokes a sense of survival and determination, as well as a celebration of Jewish culture, tradition and faith. http://www.StarofDavidArt.com
Marc Bennett is an artist and filmmaker from Brooklyn, NY and is a member of the Directors Guild of America. Bennett received his education at The Brooklyn Museum Art School, The School of Visual Arts in New York City, and Otis Parsons and Art Center in Los Angeles. Bennett has been honored with numerous awards including; the Art of California Magazine's "Discovery Award," the Stamford Art Association's "Color Award," and was honored with the World Medal from the New York Festival's Television Advertising Awards. Bennett's artwork has been used in campaigns to raise money and awareness for numerous organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and the Museum of Tolerance. Bennett's current directorial projects include; The Tattooed Torah, featuring Ed Asner's voice narrating the renowned children's book, and I Ride for the Living, an inspirational story about the annual bike ride from Auschwitz to the JCC Krakow. Bennett is committed to art and film as visual languages that entertain, educate, enlighten, and inspire positive change worldwide. http://www.StarofDavidArt.com/pages/the-artist
Soroka Medical Center is Israel's leading healthcare institution. Located in Be'er Sheva, it is the sole medical center in the entire Negev, one of the country's most diverse and fastest-growing areas. Soroka serves over 1.2 million residents, including over 400,000 children, in a region that comprises 60 percent of Israel's land. With two medical schools, a proven record of producing groundbreaking research and life-saving treatments and an extraordinary staff, Soroka offers exceptional healthcare for all, regardless of race, religion, or politics. This unique institution, founded in 1959, exemplifies a deep commitment to outstanding medical care, peaceful coexistence in action and medical research that has a global impact. http://www.Soroka.org
Gale Branding is an award winning, lifestyle driven creative agency and media relations firm located at the Highline in New York. Mindy Gale leads the agency's creative, PR and digital divisions. Through her agency the Gale Group, she launched the Jessica Simpson fashion brand, developed the Avirex leather outerwear brand marketing over 11 years, and created the consumer advertising and PR campaigns for K•Swiss for over a decade. Her agency also manages the Fashion Institute of Technology's annual Future of Fashion graduates' runway show and related events for the past 12 years. The agency's work has been featured in industry articles in Women's Wear Daily, Sportswear International, Media Week and reviewed in PR Week, as well as O'Dwyer's. http://www.GaleBranding.com
SOURCE Soroka Medical Center
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