Co-founder of Israel’s first music television channel, Israeli journalist, culture critic, and DJ, Eyal Rob brought the Tel Aviv music scene to Tidewater last month. His visit concluded the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2017-2018 Israel Today series.
A Tel Aviv University professor, Rob has lectured on the subject of Israeli culture around the globe in such places as Brazil, Ghana, Bulgaria, and France. A popular lecturer at Columbia University, Cornell, UConn, American University, University of Chicago, Michigan University, and others, students see Rob in both the classroom and clubs.
In Tidewater, Rob kicked off his tour at the Simon Family JCC where he spoke to the JCC Seniors Club about the evolution of Israel through music—through wars, peace, struggle, and hope.
Rob engaged with Tidewater’s Israeli community during a Lunch & Learn event and discussed Israel and the Tel Aviv bubble as it relates to the music scene. He gave a similar talk to students at Tallwood High School and Kempsville High School, engaging nearly 500 students during those two sessions.
“The presentation opened for me a window to learn about present culture trends in Israel,” says Eitan Stern. “Music reflects and depicts the daily life of the young generation, what they think about, what is on their mind. Art generally and music specifically, represents sociological trends in society. Living 13 plus years in the States disconnected me from the present Israeli young generation and the sociological trends represented in arts. The presentation updated me with the current trends in Israeli popular music, which reflects the young generation state of mind.”
In partnership with Congregation Beth El, the Israel Today community event was a celebration of Israel for all ages. The audience enjoyed authentic Israeli cuisine and children engaged in an art project, while Rob gave his lecture. The guests also painted a joint community mural depicting Israel at 70 in celebration of Yom HaAtzamut, which was on display a few days later at Israel Fest—also where Rob was finally able to show off his DJ skills. Rob has DJ’d in various festivals around the world, including twice at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and spins in the top notch clubs and events for the Jewish community and campus parties around the world.