Arik Grabelsky

Dear Viewers,

It is an honor to welcome you to the Opening Event of the Jerusalem Film Festival – a celebration of creativity, spirit, and vision. Since its establishment in 1984, the Jerusalem Film Festival has served as a unique meeting place for filmmakers and film lovers from Israel and around the world. Over the course of ten days, inspiration, imagination, and a cultural voice transcend borders, in the heart of one of the most complex and fascinating cities in the world.

Since January 2025, I’ve had the honor of leading the Jerusalem Foundation, a long-standing leader in the city’s cultural landscape. The Jerusalem Foundation took part in establishing the Jerusalem Cinematheque and continues to support this institution and the film festival as part of our steadfast commitment to advancing the city and its cultural life. This year, for the first time in my role, I am proud express my support for the festival and the important institution that leads it, and I promise that the Foundation will continue to bolster and nurture cultural life in the city – because Jerusalem deserves to be not only a city of the past, but also, the cultural capital of the present and future.

Israel has endured two difficult years, and even in this moment of celebration, our hearts are with the bereaved families, the hostages, and all those living with pain and worry. In this reality, the festival’s role is more vital than ever—a space that offers voice, stage, and hope. I’m proud of the city’s cultural institutions, among them the Jerusalem Cinematheque, for choosing to persevere, to create, and to foster connection during this challenging time.

The Jerusalem Foundation will continue to stand with the cultural institutions and with the public, to ensure that Jerusalem will always have a stage for creation and free expression. This is our mission, and this is the hope we espouse—for a city that celebrates its diversity and for a society that believes in the healing power of art.

A warm welcome to all the festival attendees,

Arik Grabelsky