Erez Kaganovitz Brings Powerful Stories to Charlotte as Israeli Artist-in-Residence

Charlotte Jewish News, February 2025

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) is excited to announce that Erez Kaganovitz, founder of the acclaimed “Humans of Tel Aviv” project, will be the featured Israeli artist-in-residence for 2025. From March 1 to 4, Erez will share his passion for photography and storytelling with the Charlotte Jewish community, culminating in the second installation of the “Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series” on Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts at Shalom Park.

Erez’s journey to becoming one of Israel’s most compelling visual storytellers began far from Tel Aviv. He studied journalism and international relations at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem before working as a journalist and parliamentary advisor for several members of the Knesset. It wasn’t until he traveled to India that he discovered his true passion. On the banks of the Ganges River, Erez learned to tell stories through photography, capturing entire narratives in a single frame.

After moving to Tel Aviv in 2009, he was struck by the city’s vibrancy and diversity. “I had the feeling that I had just stumbled onto the set of a movie and that every character in the city had his or her own story, attitude, and unique perspective just waiting to be uncovered,” Erez shares. This inspiration led him to wander the streets with his camera, photographing the people of Tel Aviv and sharing their stories. In 2012, inspired by photographer Brandon Stanton’s “Humans of New York,” Erez launched “Humans of Tel Aviv,” a project that has garnered international acclaim, and later “Humans of October 7th,” an ongoing initiative highlighting the human stories of Israelis who stood up against terrorism.

During his time in Charlotte, Erez will bring these powerful stories to life. His residency will include workshops for various local agencies, offering a unique chance to learn from a master storyteller. The “Humans of October 7th” exhibit will also be on display at Shalom Park before and after his visit, providing an extended opportunity for the community to engage with his work.

Erez’s primary community event on March 3, part of JFGC’s “Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series,” will delve into the complexities of Israeli society. Combining photography and storytelling, Erez will share his unique insights into the lives and experiences of Israelis.

Through his evocative photographs and the stories he tells, Erez invites us to see the world—and each other— through a new lens. Mark your calendars for March 3 and prepare to be inspired by this extraordinary artist and his journey. For more information about the Israeli Artist-in-Residence program or to register for the March 3 “Unpacking Israel” event, visit www.jewishcharlotte.org.

Haim Jalin, featured in Erez Kaganovitz’s exhibit, “Humans of October 7th”

Gidon Lev, featured in Erez Kaganovitz’s exhibit, “Humans of October 7th”