Israeli Soldiers' Play About Unity Wins International Award
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Israeli reservist soldiers Ben Zabludovsky and Shmuel Bahalul won the "Play of the Year" award at the Assitej International Festival for Children and Youth Theater for their play "From Point to Point." The play, written during the Swords of Iron War, addresses Israeli societal divisions and the ability to bridge differences. It has been performed for thousands of teenagers and is set for more school performances.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli reservist soldiers Ben Zabludovsky and Shmuel Bahalul won the "Play of the Year" award at the Assitej International Festival.
- Their play, "From Point to Point," was written during the Swords of Iron War and focuses on Israeli societal divisions.
- The play explores themes of camaraderie and bridging differences between soldiers with opposing worldviews.
- Zabludovsky and Bahalul are professional actors serving together in the Alpine Unit on Mount Hermon.
- The production has been performed for thousands of teenagers and is slated for more school performances.
Two Israeli reservist soldiers, Ben Zabludovsky and Shmuel Bahalul, have won the "Play of the Year" award at the Assitej International Festival for Children and Youth Theater for their play "From Point to Point." The play, written during the Swords of Iron War, explores themes of societal divisions in Israel, camaraderie among soldiers, and the ability to bridge differences.
This international recognition highlights a central theme in Israeli society since the war began: how individuals with differing worldviews can collaborate, find common ground, and build trust amidst disagreement. "From Point to Point," which previously won a directing award at the "Soliko in Pairs" 2025 festival, is an original Israeli production blending suspense, humor, emotion, and self-discovery.
Zabludovsky and Bahalul, both 31 and professional actors, serve together as reservists in the Alpine Unit on Mount Hermon. Their play centers on Aviel, a religious-nationalist soldier, and Itai, a secular-liberal soldier, who are tasked with a navigation exercise. The exercise quickly becomes a more complex test of their differing perspectives and the stereotypes they hold about each other.
What begins as a conflict between soldiers representing perceived extremes of Israeli society evolves into a journey of mutual recognition and understanding. The characters learn to see beyond labels and prejudices, discovering that their differences can be a source of strength in overcoming challenges. The play has been performed for thousands of teenagers through the Israeli Stage's cultural program and is scheduled for further performances in schools next year.