Sagi Dekel Chen to Perform Songs Written in Captivity at 2026 Israel Festival

The organizers of the Israel Festival revealed the artistic program for 2026, marking the event's 65th anniversary. Under the leadership of incoming CEO Uri Vaknin and artistic directors Michal Vaknin and Dafna Karon, the festival will focus on the theme "Tomorrow" and explore art's role in offering broad perspectives amid ongoing emergency conditions.

A highlight will take place on August 10 at Kibbutz Nir Oz, featuring Sagi Dekel Chen, who was released after 498 days in Hamas captivity. He will perform nine songs he wrote and composed during his imprisonment. Directed by Itai Mautner, the show will include collaborations with leading artists and other former captives, opening with a guided tour through the kibbutz's sites related to the October 7 attacks.

The festival opens on July 28 with "On a Thin Rope" at the Valley of the Sons of Hinnom, an aerial art performance honoring Philippe Petit's legendary 1987 tightrope walk at the same location. This event will be free to the public. Other notable Jerusalem performances include "Hip Hop Talpiot," a musical production by Tamir Muskat combining the Jerusalem street orchestra with hip hop artists like Jimbo J, Echo, Teddy Neguse, and Balkan Beat Box; "VERSE," two days of activist art featuring Ehud Banai, Ninet Tayeb, and Berry Sakharof; "Sonic Blue," a musical journey by producer Rejoicer (Yobi Havkin) with Gal Toren, Shay Tzabari, and Reef Cohen; and "All the Winds," a collective dance piece by seven choreographers deconstructing the concept of war.

The festival will also present "Temporarily Removed," an intimate theater tour in Jerusalem reflecting on international shows canceled due to the war, highlighting cultural isolation and its impact on Israel's foreign artistic relations. In line with a decision to reach "fracture and healing" areas, performances will be held in the Eshkol Regional Council, Kfar Blum, and Nahariya. The closing event on August 20 at the Nahariya Culture Hall will be "Love Music (Now!)", a collaboration between singer Dikla and choreographer Yasmin Goder.

The festival management confirmed continuation of a "social ticket" policy, with prices ranging from 50 to 140 shekels and many free public events. CEO Uri Vaknin emphasized the significance of maintaining artist-audience connections during challenging times, calling the festival a commitment to ongoing creation and engagement. Additionally, the 43rd Jerusalem Film Festival program was announced, featuring artists Noga Erez and Dudu Tassa.