About 8

What is 8: In the days immediately following the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel, 8, a Tomer Peretz Initiative, came to be. The 8 Project is the artistic home for people healing from mass trauma. The initiative serves as a secure and inspiring artistic environment for survivors of the October 7th terror attack, as well as for those impacted by the ongoing hostilities in Israel and the global struggle against antisemitism. 

Who Does 8 Help: Survivors of mass trauma, mass rape & sexual violence as weapons of war, terrorism, mass shootings. We also work directly with veterans who are often on the front lines of experiencing traumatic events.

What Does 8 Do: We bring together people who have experienced traumatic events, both with individuals and groups, to ensure access to mentorship, therapy and counseling. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and work with world-renowned painter Tomer Peretz, as well as a host of professionals to safely and methodically revisit their trauma, process it and find ways to move through it. The 8 model centers on art therapy and community building  to create light and beauty from pain and darkness. 

 

The 8 Program Model 

  1. Los Angeles Healing Studio- LA

    1. Art residents Individual survivors

      1. Material, Studio Cost, Housing, Food, Transportation 

    2. Residents through the course of the year in LA Healing Studio

      1. Access to Mentoring

      2. Access to monthly session with a therapist 

      3. Work in Public exhibition 

    3. Art Advising, consultation and curating: Launching projects of those who’ve captured traumatic events to help them share their stories and art through their medium of choice 

  2. Cohorts for those who have endured mass trauma

    1. One- three day opening retreat 

    2. Monthly sessions

      1. Individual check in with art expert

      2. Individual checking with licensed therapist

      3. Monthly group meeting 

    3. One three day at retreat and closing public art installation

  3. Hosting Groups – 8 art experts and licenced therapist will host a tailored sessions for groups who have experience mass trauma events (starting at a half day up to 3 days) 

    1. In studio 

    2. At retreat centers

  4. Rapid Response Mission – traveling to the site of a mass trauma to provide art therapy with artists and licensed therapists

  5. Art Installations: Art at the intersection of social movements and healing to bring significant awareness in public locations.

About tomer

C.E.O.

Tomer’s upbringing in South East Jerusalem, amidst the Israeli-Arab conflict, exposed him to terrorist attacks from his early years in the 90s. Despite the turmoil, he found solace and self-expression through art. Even as a child, Tomer was drawn to drawing, painting murals, and channeling his creativity into the world around him.

His journey led him to join the IDF, where he served for four intense years in the special ground forces, enduring the loss of many comrades and engaging in numerous battles during the 2nd Intifada. Seeking respite and perspective, Tomer embarked on a voyage to South America after his military service, immersing himself in its rich tapestry of cultures.

In 2005, Tomer made Los Angeles his home, where he now resides and creates. His art continues to reflect his life experiences, addressing social challenges, the shadows of existence, and the harsh realities of conflict. Through his portraits, he endeavors to capture the essence of individuals’ stories in a deeply immersive manner.

As a globally recognized artist, Tomer’s projects have transcended borders, gracing exhibitions in numerous countries and leaving a profound impact on audiences worldwide.

 

About The Board

Steven Kassin is the Founder and Managing Partner of Infinity Collective, which encompasses Infinity Real Estate, Infinity Venture Partners, and Infinity Hospitality. He oversees operations and portfolio management, guiding the vision and execution of projects. Under his leadership, Infinity Real Estate has acquired or developed over 75 properties and managed over $2.5 billion in investments.

Since launching Infinity Venture Partners in 2018, Steve has diversified the company’s portfolio to include businesses in fintech, hospitality, fitness, health and wellness, and consumer products. He is committed to transformative real estate investing, focusing on urban development and the rehabilitation of historic properties. Infinity has successfully completed over 40 projects in five cities, establishing a strong reputation in this niche.

Steve's leadership and innovative approach have earned him recognition, including being named to Globe Street’s “Fifty Under 40” list in 2015 and receiving the “Steward of Nature” award from the NYC Department of Parks in 2016. He has also won multiple awards for historic preservation and innovative design in Miami Beach.

 

Jonah Platt is a trusted voice in the modern conversation on Jewish identity, culture, and current events. He is the host of BEING JEWISH WITH JONAH PLATT, the new hit podcast that explores the diverse spectrum of Jewish identity through conversations with a wide array of notable guests such as Top Chef’s Gail Simmons, political analyst Van Jones, Rabbi David Wolpe, and actress Patricia Heaton. A true entertainment multi-hyphenate, Jonah has acted in prestige projects from Hollywood (like the Oscar nominated BEING THE RICARDOS) to Broadway (the smash hit WICKED), written for a number of TV comedies, and is currently producing his first feature film, THE MENSCH, in which he will co-star alongside Ginnifer Goodwin. He is also a sought after singer and musician, an award-winning vocal arranger, a director of improv and theater, and is currently co-writing the musical adaptation of Lois Lowry’s best-selling novel, THE GIVER. His words on the Jewish experience have appeared in Variety, the New York Post, LA Magazine, Jewish Journal, Hey Alma, Kveller & The Wrap, and he's been a featured expert on KTLA News, Fox News Digital, Atlanta News First, Israel’s i24 & News Nation.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

8 Art

Zaka

This painting was created by Tomer and his team from Zaka in Israel, the group that enlisted him to recover the deceased in the aftermath of the October 7th attack. Tomer aimed to convey the profound pain and horrific experiences they endured during those days. He invited Nicole to participate in the art project; she is a survivor who recognized her mother’s body in footage shared by Tomer on social media. Months after the attack, Nicole reached out, seeking to understand how her mother was found and whether she had suffered. During the art project, Tomer and his team addressed her questions, collaboratively telling her story on the canvas. The painting symbolizes their resilience and unwavering faith in God as they work to ensure the respectful burial of Jewish bodies.

First Responders

“First Responders” is a powerful collaborative painting created in Israel months after the terrorist attack, amidst ongoing conflict. It was brought to life by Tomer and seasoned warriors from elite units such as Sayeret Matkal, Duvdevan, Yamam, Egoz, Maglan, Shabak, and Oketz. These warriors were on the front lines on October 7th and in the days and months that followed, saving countless children and families from the Gaza envelope. Their stories remain largely untold and shrouded in secrecy, with their identities kept confidential. The art project became a rare platform for them to share their experiences, as many of them have been injured and lost close friends in the line of duty.

Though these individuals had never held a paintbrush before, they poured their hearts into this work, embodying the strength and resilience of those who have dedicated their lives to the Jewish nation. The painting symbolizes their unwavering spirit and fighting force, capturing the essence of their sacrifices and commitment.

Survivor

This is the first artwork Tomer created with survivors, completed just weeks after the war began. Finding it difficult to connect with those who hadn’t lived through the conflict, he invited survivors to his studio to paint alongside him. As they gathered, they shared their experiences, pouring their feelings of sadness, pain, and hope for the hostages onto the canvas. This painting marks the inception of Tomer’s art project, serving as a poignant testament to their shared journey.

Before During Future” is a collaborative artwork created by Tomer Peretz alongside over 100 survivors of the Nova incident. Guided by Tomer, each individual used specific materials and techniques to express themselves through three distinct parts: “Before October 7th,” “During October 7th,” and their aspirations for the “Future.”

After completing their expressions, Tomer integrated his own interpretation onto their work. This project was initiated under The Peretz Foundation’s Art Healing program, known as The 8 Project. Proceeds from sales will support this program and Tomer’s rehabilitation center, which continues to host survivors and individuals affected by the recent conflict.

The original artwork combines all three segments into a single piece measuring 216” x 72”. Limited edition of 100 hand signed on Fine Art Paper Giclee prints of each segment are available for separate purchase with the size of: 16”x16.  

Just Kids

Before

During

The Future

Collaborative Photos