How does one respond to the murder of a 15-year-old boy?

Art has always been a powerful means of storytelling, a way to immortalize emotions, memories and histories. The upcoming exhibition, After Nachman, is a profound example of art’s ability to preserve and celebrate a life—a life of passion, connection,and devotion to the land of Israel. Through this exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the world through the eyes of Nachman Moradof, a young shepherd whose story continues to touch hearts even after his tragic passing.

Exhibit curator Ophra Shoshtari, founder of Mar’eh — a nonprofit for art and supporting artists in Judea and Samaria — has organized various events during the Swords of Iron War including therapeutic art activities for children and adults during these very difficult times, providing them with a creative outlet to express their emotions.

Nachman Moradof was just 15 years old when he discovered his deep love for shepherding and the land of Israel. His family moved to the settlement of Achiya from Yad Binyamin to support his passion. Despite his youth, Nachman quickly became indispensable on various farms, known for his extraordinary connection with animals and his profound appreciation for nature.

Unlike many others who sought financial compensation for their labor, Nachman never accepted wages for his work. To him, tending to sheep and the land was not a job but a calling. He spent countless hours herding, riding horses and caring for farm animals with unmatched dedication. He was not only a shepherd of animals but also of human spirits — his warmth, sincerity and radiant smile left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

But Nachman was more than just a shepherd; he was also a visual storyteller. His awe for the breathtaking beauty of the land led him to document his surroundings meticulously through photography and video. Every frame captured his deep connection with nature, his love for open spaces and the divine presence he felt in the land of Israel.

On June 20, 2023, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 5783, Nachman was performing an act of kindness — helping a farmer bring in a particularly difficult animal. The farmer, grateful for Nachman’s assistance, invited him to share a meal at a local hummus diner in the town of Eli. What was meant to be a moment of relaxation and camaraderie turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. As they sat outside, a Palestinian terrorist opened fire, and Nachman was shot and killed.

His untimely death left a void in the lives of his family, friends and community. But the light of his spirit, the depth of his love for the land, and his gentle yet powerful presence could not be forgotten. And so, the After Nachman project was born.

In the wake of this devastating loss, Nachman’s mother, Ora, sought a way to connect with her son’s memory. She approached local artist Libi Yaar-Horowitz with a request: to help her learn to paint one of Nachman’s many photographs. The task, however, proved overwhelming — each brushstroke was heavy with emotion, each color infused with grief. Unable to continue, Ora stepped back, but Libi felt compelled to carry the project forward.

Libi recognized the immense beauty and poignancy in Nachman’s photographs. She saw an opportunity not only to honor his memory but also to create something deeply meaningful. She put out a call to artists, family members and community members, inviting them to contribute to a collective artistic endeavor. The response was overwhelming: 54 participants came forward, producing 66 works of art inspired by Nachman’s photography.

The Exhibition: A Journey through Art and Memory

The After Nachman exhibit is a deeply moving collection of works that bring to life the spirit of a boy who saw the land through eyes filled with love and wonder. The pieces range from lifelike portraits of Nachman to pastoral scenes of sheep grazing on hillsides. Some works capture the tranquility and majesty of nature, while others delve into the complex emotions of grief, resilience and remembrance.

This exhibition is more than an artistic display; it is a sacred tribute. Each brushstroke, each color choice, each interpretation is a reflection of Nachman’s essence. The artists, many of whom never met him, have poured their hearts into their work, ensuring that his legacy endures.

Visitors to After Nachman will not only learn about a remarkable young man but will also be invited to see the land through his eyes. His photography and the paintings it inspired serve as windows into the beauty, serenity and spiritual significance of Israel’s landscapes.

Nachman’s connection to the land was not just physical — it was deeply spiritual, a connection to something greater than himself.

One Israel Fund Women’s Division is sponsoring this art exhibit. Jacqui Herman, president of the One Israel Fund conveys, “We traveled to visit with and meet the artists who shared their stories and vision for the future. The exhibit is very meaningful.”

Through this exhibition, Nachman’s passion is shared with the world. Viewers will walk away not only with an understanding of who Nachman was but with a renewed appreciation for the land he cherished so deeply. They will witness the power of art to transform grief into beauty, sorrow into remembrance, and tragedy into an enduring legacy.

The After Nachman exhibit is not just an art show; it is a movement. It is a testament to a young shepherd’s love for the land, his dedication to kindness, and the power of community in preserving his memory. It stands as a beacon of resilience, proving that even in the face of great loss, light can shine through.

Nachman’s story is one of passion, connection and an unbreakable bond with the land of Israel. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and, now, through this exhibition, in the hearts of those who will come to know him. After Nachman invites us all to look at the world with wonder, to cherish our connections, and to find beauty in the everyday — just as Nachman did.

“I felt that I was privileged to be given this holy purpose,” explains curator Shoshtari with emotion, “to find the funding and the space and then to organize this exhibition which will allow even more people to know who Nachman was and what happened to him — because we need to survive, but also we must thrive. We must build where our enemies destroy.”

The exhibition opens on February 27 and will stand as a lasting tribute to a young soul who, in his short life, left behind a legacy of love, art and devotion to the land. It is an invitation to remember, to reflect, and to be inspired by a shepherd’s song that still echoes through the hills of Israel.

For more information, including the location of the exhibit, please contact Ophra Shoshtari, founder of Mar’eh, a non-profit organization aimed at connecting residents, students and tourists to the vibrant art scene in the Yehuda and Shomron region. She can be reached at [email protected]. Through exhibitions, educational programs and workshops, Mar’eh fosters an appreciation for art and support for local artists.

Arnie Draiman enjoys art and supporting our soldiers, and is a Philanthropic Consultant helping people and foundations give their Tzedakah money away wisely, efficiently, and effectively for over 25 years. In addition, he consults to hi-tech start-ups, and is an expert in Social Media marketing and promotion. He can be reached at: [email protected]