- Israel Prize Jury
October 11th, 2007
7:30 p.m.
Congregation Beth Am
The 13 members of Gevatron, all of whom are sons and daughters of Kibbutz Geva, have been performing together since the creation of the state of Israel.
The story of the Gevatron dates back to the early twenties, when Kibbutz Geva was erected among the swamps, wilderness and howling jackals of the Jezre’el Valley. The Kibbutz is located on the hills facing the Gilboa Mountains, where King Saul, and his son Jonathan died during wartime.
Singing has always been an expression of hardship and joy, toil and pleasure for kibbutz members whose intent was to create a new world. As they turned the wilderness into fruitful fields, drained the swamps into orchards and built their homes and factories, the kibbutz members sang together. The songs were derived from Hassidic and Jewish tradition, Russian and Ukrainian melodies merged with new, original Israeli songs.
The children of Kibbutz Geva’s founders absorbed the love of singing from their parents. They began composing their own songs for festivals and other ceremonial occasions. Gradually they became known and began performing in towns and kibbutzim all over the country. While renewing and expanding their repertoire, the Gevatron has maintained the unique style of their parents while conveying the freshness and vitality
of kibbutz life in their songs.
The Gevatron members work on Kibbutz Geva--after their day’s work they gather for rehearsals or performances. The following day, at dawn, the singers return to their posts in the factory, fields, fishponds and school of the kibbutz.
Their one ambition is to continue working and bringing their songs of Israel to appreciative audiences.
Members of the Gevatron:
Tami Ben Ya’acov, Nika Barzak, Amira Yadin, Avram Lax, Yoram Aloni, Shimon Aloni, Kobi Ron, Gidon Gurion, Racheli Gordon, Ela Harris, Itzik Arad, Roni Yonish, Shula Albalek, Chanoch Albalek, Yael Drori.
Band Manager:
Yoel Parnas
