Concert for Michal Sela Forum Raises Funds to Combat Domestic Violence
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
A benefit concert titled "Returning to the Light" is being held in Tel Aviv on Monday to raise funds for the Michal Sela Forum, which aids victims of domestic violence. The event features performances by several Israeli artists and all proceeds will support the forum's life-saving work. The organization was founded in memory of Michal Sela, who was murdered seven years ago, and has since protected over 5,000 women and children. The concert producer, Itai Schiff, stated that ticket sales can fund a month of protection for a woman and her children.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A benefit concert "Returning to the Light" will be held Monday in Tel Aviv to raise funds for the Michal Sela Forum.
- The Michal Sela Forum aids women and children endangered by domestic violence.
- The event features performances by Yoni Rechter, Nurit Galron, Arkadi Duchin, Yuval Dayan, and Efrat Gosh.
- Michal Sela was murdered seven years ago by her husband, leading to the forum's creation.
- The forum has saved the lives of 1,090 women and 4,567 children to date.
- Musician Itai Schiff is producing the concert on a volunteer basis.
A star-studded benefit concert, "Returning to the Light," will take place Monday at the Tel Aviv Culture Hall to raise funds for the Michal Sela Forum, an organization dedicated to protecting women and children from domestic violence. The event features performances by prominent Israeli artists including Yoni Rechter, Nurit Galron, Arkadi Duchin, Yuval Dayan, and Efrat Gosh, who will perform songs related to the concert's theme. All proceeds will go to the forum, established in memory of Michal Sela, who was murdered by her husband seven years ago in front of their infant daughter. The perpetrator is serving a life sentence.
The Michal Sela Forum, founded in her memory, has since saved the lives of 1,090 women and 4,567 children. Michal Sela, 32 at the time of her death, was a social worker who excelled in her master's degree shortly before she was murdered. She worked with at-risk youth, Holocaust survivors, and victims of sexual assault, among other vulnerable populations. The forum's work includes providing physical protection through guard dogs, security cameras, and panic buttons, though its funding is irregular and relies on donations.
Musician Itai Schiff, a founder of the band "Beit HaBubot," is producing the concert on a volunteer basis. Schiff was deeply moved by the Sela family's story and felt compelled to contribute. He explained that the concert's goal is to "save the next Michal" and that a pair of tickets to the event can fund a month of protection for a threatened woman and her children. Schiff emphasized the importance of every contribution and the immediate willingness of artists and volunteers to participate.
Michal's sister, Liat Sela Freiman, who now raises Michal's daughter alongside her own four children, highlighted that domestic violence has many forms beyond physical abuse, including emotional and financial abuse, gaslighting, and silencing. She noted that 22 murders have been recorded in Israel this year alone, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem. The forum aims to increase its activities and help more individuals exercise their basic right to live in freedom and security. Tickets can still be purchased through the Michal Sela Forum website, and donations will also be accepted at the venue.