Israeli dancers celebrate culture, not politics

by Daniel Moser

(AJNews) – On August 3, at the Edmonton Heritage Festival at William Hawrelak Park, the Aviv Dancers joyfully took the stage, overpowering chants from a nearby protest. Historically protests have not occurred at the Festival. Choosing to forgo the long-held tradition that the Festival be about culture, not politics, on this day a group made their presence felt arriving with violent imagery, with at least one protestor harassing the young dancers.

The Shiru Ha’Shir Dancers, along with the Aviv Dancers, countless Israel Pavillion volunteers, and allies, all persisted in the face of protest and adversity to make sure the Israel Pavillion, the Heritage Festival, and the performances could all still be enjoyed. Seeing Israeli Dancers perform and prevail, drowning out protest was the visual definition of the mantra, “We Will Dance Again!”