March – May 2025
ART WILL S8T
YOU FREE
INSTALLATION BY TOMER PERETZ
Museum of Tolerance in partnership with Genesis Arts Collective
Background
The Museum of Tolerance, Tomer Peretz and the Power of Art Therapy
The arts can serve as powerful mediums for helping people process trauma, and the Museum of Tolerance has a longstanding connection with art therapy as a method of exploring and healing human suffering, from the personal anguish of the individual to historic levels of collective trauma.
The Museum of Tolerance is home to a collection of over 900 works of art, including an important collection of work by Frederika “Friedl” Dicker-Brandeis, an Austrian Jewish artist and educator who emerged as a trailblazer in what would later be dubbed “art therapy.” Dicker-Brandeis was deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp in late 1942, where she organized secret art lessons for hundreds of children: classes that became a source of empowerment, healing, and hope amidst harrowing circumstances—calm refuge in which to process the frightening events unfolding around them.
In 2024, international artist Tomer Peretz spoke at the Museum of Tolerance on Holocaust Remembrance Day of his personal experience being with his family in Israel on 10/7 and subsequently volunteering at one of deadliest sites of the Hamas attack. This work altered the very fabric of who he was as an artist and ignited a commitment to use art to help those who were witness to the massacre or taken hostage, allowing them to tell their story and process what they had experienced through paint and testimony. His story ignited a conversation within the Museum of Tolerance as to how the institution could amplify the work of Peretz and other artists whose work aligned with the mission of the Museum.
As a result of that encounter, in 2025 the Museum of Tolerance launched its first-ever Artist in Residence program, naming Tomer Peretz as the Museum of Tolerance 2025 Inaugural Artist in Residence. The program is designed to expand the institution’s cultural programming by featuring and supporting artists who create compelling, immersive art and mixed media content designed to promote self-expression, healing, and empathy. This program is a collaboration between the Museum of Tolerance, Moriah Media and the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Concept
Art Will S8t You Free: A Special Installation by Tomer Peretz
Art Will Set You Free, which features a collection of eight works by Peretz as well as an interactive installation, is an artistic response to the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 terror attacks in Israel, the resulting Israel-Hamas war, the ongoing global wave of antisemitism, and other traumatic experiences. It is the continuation of Peretz’s layered collaborations with a community of trauma survivors that includes frontline veterans and survivors of October 7, sexual violence as a weapon of war, terrorism, and mass shootings.
Along with Peretz’s collection of original works throughout the main floor, the Museum has dedicated space for a large multimedia project incorporating an expansive canvas that will be painted on-site, complemented by a display of photographs and videos of frontline emergency response workers by guest artist Kalia Littman.
The Art Will Set You Free installation is designed to be interactive, giving visitors the opportunity to collaborate with Peretz as he works and then continue creating afterwards with a custom-designed individual art kit after their visit. This experience also includes a public art element, in which Peretz and his team of artist associates will guide student groups in the creation of a public art project.
Working together with other survivors of trauma, each incorporating their individual stories into the work, Peretz creates a therapeutic artistic home to process suffering, explore mass trauma, and support healing. Artists and guests move in community through pain and horror towards light and beauty. Peretz utilizes oil and acrylic painting, photography, and conceptual art to create a vibrant, intense, and at times harrowing experience that situates his art within the disturbing realities of the present world.
Peretz has assembled a team of supporting artists who, in collaboration with the Museum of Tolerance education team, are providing group student and adult interactive educational programming. The guest artists include Michael Cannon and Avia Moshe Shklar.
Featured Artist
Tomer Peretz
Growing up in Jerusalem amidst the Arab-Israeli conflict, Peretz was exposed to terrorist attacks from his most formative years, when he first began to find solace and self-expression through art. He served four years in the IDF during the Second Intifada, experiencing combat and the loss of comrades. References to trauma and violence are a throughline of much of his work. Peretz’s body of multimedia artwork reflects both his own and others’ life experiences, touching on social issues, mental health, and the realities of conflict. Peretz and his family have lived in Los Angeles since 2005.
Tomer Peretz was in Tel Aviv on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack on southern Israel, murdering 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. He volunteered to help disaster response teams collect bodies from Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the deadliest sites in the attack. The horrific scenes he bore witness to there profoundly affected Peretz, who has always used art to reflect his life experiences and address the harsh realities of violence.
Producing Partners
Organizations that created this experience
In order to produce an immersive installation comprised of featured works, on-site public art creation, collaborative group activities, student lessons Geand supporting curricula, and a coalition of art enthusiasts, educators and community leaders, the Museum of Tolerance has partnered with:
The Genesis Arts Collective
The Genesis Arts Collective (GAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to igniting change through the intersection of art, education, and social impact. By fostering partnerships with museums, educators, and global institutions, GAC empowers communities to cultivate empathy, creativity, and resilience. For over 13 years, GAC has harnessed the transformative power of the arts to inspire over 75,000 young minds through its flagship education program, GENESIS STEAM. Through innovative collaborations, GAC continues to expand access to arts education, providing creative outlets for youth worldwide. To learn more about The Genesis Arts Collective and its programs, visit www.genesisartscollective.com
The 8 Project
In the days immediately following the October 7 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 mass casualty events including the October 7 terror attack. The 8 model centers on art therapy and community-building to create light and beauty from pain and darkness. Harnessing the creative process, 8 empowers individuals to reclaim control, foster resilience and find hope in the aftermath of trauma. For more information, please visit www.project8.com
Museum of Tolerance
The Museum of Tolerance is the educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an internationally renowned Jewish human rights organization. The Museum is dedicated to challenging visitors to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts and confront all forms of prejudice and discrimination in our world today. Visitors become witnesses to history and explore the dynamics of hate and discrimination still embedded in contemporary society. Through interactive exhibits, special events, and customized programs for youths and adults, the Museum of Tolerance engages visitors’ hearts and minds while challenging them to assume personal responsibility for positive change.
Contact
For more information
FOUNDER & CHAIR
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 Chronology of 8
Created with more than 800 people impacted by the 10/7 mass atrocities
- 289 in Israel
- 340 around LA and cities in the US
- 143 in Healing Studio
- 120 Children and Youth
A Look Ahead
- Launch First Cohort with UCLA Students
- 25 Artists in Residents in the Healing Studio
- 20 Public Art Installation
- Host 30 groups in Israel and around the US
About the program
The 8 Program Model
Los Angeles Healing Studio- LA
Art residents Individual survivors
Material, Studio Cost, Housing, Food, Transportation
Residents through the course of the year in LA Healing Studio
Access to Mentoring
Access to monthly session with a therapist
Work in Public exhibition
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
Cohorts for those who have endured mass trauma
One- three day opening retreat
Monthly sessions
Individual check in with art expert
Individual checking with licensed therapist
Monthly group meeting
One three day at retreat and closing public art installation
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)
In studio
At retreat centers
Rapid Response Mission – traveling to the site of a mass trauma to provide art therapy with artists and licensed therapists
Art Installations: Art at the intersection of social movements and healing to bring significant awareness in public locations.
C.E.O.
ABOUT TOMER
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.
THE BOARD
ABOUT THE BOARD
STEVE KASSIN
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
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.
JEFF SKOBIN
Bio coming soon.
ANDREA BROWN
Bio coming soon.
JORDANA YECHIEL
Bio coming soon.
ASHLEY FRANDZEL
Bio coming soon.
THE Art
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.
- Original Size: 48"x60"
- Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
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.
- Original Size: 48"x60"
- Medium: Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
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.
- Original Size: 48"x60"
- Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Before During Future
“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.
- Original Size: 216” x 72”
- Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Just Kids
- Original Size: 72"x72"
- Medium: Pastel, Oil, Spray Paint and Markers on Canvas
Before
- Original Size: 72"x72"
- Medium: Pastel, Oil, Spray Paint and Markers on Canvas
During
- Original Size: 72"x72"
- Medium: Pastel, Oil, Spray Paint and Markers on Canvas
The Future
- Original Size: 72"x72"
- Medium: Pastel, Oil, Spray Paint and Markers on Canvas
Friends of 8