Kaplan Family Balances Music, Career, and Life in Givatayim
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The Kaplan family from Givatayim, including parents Alex and Hila and sons Itamar and Omri, discussed their lives balancing careers and a deep passion for music. Alex is CEO of the Man and the Living Museum, while Hila is a professional cellist and teacher. Their sons are also pursuing music, with one studying at Rimon and the other releasing hip-hop. The family maintains financial stability, prioritizing experiences and living in a long-term rented apartment.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Alex Kaplan is CEO of the Man and the Living Museum and pursuing curatorial studies.
- Hila Kaplan is a professional cellist, conservatory teacher, and has collaborated with various musicians.
- Sons Itamar and Omri are both actively involved in music, studying and performing.
- The Kaplan family lives in a rented Givatayim apartment and maintains financial stability.
- The family values experiences like concerts and travel, recently buying tickets for Stevie Wonder.
- During the war, the family shared community moments in their bomb shelter.
The Kaplan family, residing in Givatayim, shares insights into their lives, balancing careers, a passion for music, and financial prudence, even amidst the ongoing conflict. Alex Kaplan, 54, works as the CEO and curator of the Man and the Living Museum in Ramat Gan, a role he pursued after leaving his position as marketing director at Dizengoff Center due to stress. He is also completing curatorial studies at Shenkar.
Hila Kaplan, 54, is a cellist who began her musical journey at age 10. She performed as an outstanding musician in the Air Force quartet during her military service and now teaches cello at a conservatory. While she primarily plays classical music, she has also collaborated with Israeli musicians like Bari Sakharof and Dani Robas, and has performed with her string quartet for bands like 'Nekamat HaTractor'. She finds joy in teaching young children and exploring diverse musical genres.
Their sons, Itamar, 25, and Omri, 20, are also deeply involved in music. Itamar is studying music at Rimon School, playing bass guitar, and has formed an indie-rock band called 'Bayishanit'. Omri, currently serving in the army, is also a musician who has released hip-hop music and an album with a friend.
The family lives in a rented four-room apartment in Givatayim, which they have occupied for 23 years, paying below market rate. Alex emphasizes their financial stability, stating they have never been in debt, a situation that improved significantly after their children finished attending a semi-private school. They prioritize spending on experiences like travel and concerts, with Alex recently purchasing tickets to see Stevie Wonder perform in Germany. Hila notes their frugal approach to daily expenses, contrasting with friends who spend heavily on delivery services.
During the war, the family experienced moments of community solidarity, such as sharing apples and competing in making apple pies while sheltering in their building's bomb shelter. They appreciate Givatayim's quiet, neighborhood feel, which is close to Tel Aviv, despite the higher cost of living.