For Immediate Release

 

(Southampton, LI, NY — July, 2026) — StandWithUs Southeast and Art World for Israel proudly hosted 50 international guests at an exclusive, “Hampton Summer Art Salon” held at the splendid home of Michael and Stacey Cohen in Southampton, during the recent Hampton Fine Arts Fair in Southampton, Long Island, New York.

 

Sara Gold Rafel, Executive Director of StandWithUs Southeast (SWU SE) and philanthropist Ariel Penzer Milgroom, founder of Art World for Israel (AWFI) organized the event, one of many they are hosting throughout the United States. Avi Posnick, Executive Director of StandWithUs Northeast also attended.  

 

The morning featured a revelatory and inspiring panel discussion with Jewish voices from across the art world.

 

They include Mexican-Jewish artist Alejandro Glatt; Jewish artists Annette Beck and Lillian Kibudi founders of “Stars In The Arts” and Rosario Nistico, owner of Nisticovich Gallery in Tel Aviv.  Liora Rez, Founder and Executive Director of StopAntisemitism also spoke. Contemporary artist and Chair of the Advisory Board Rachel Klinghoffer moderated the panel.

 

The discussion explored the realities many Israeli/Jewish artists faced since October 7, 2023 including canceled exhibitions, gallery boycotts, public protests, and exclusion based solely on their identity and/or connection to Israel. Rather than allowing these challenges to silence them, each panelist shared how they remain committed to creating, exhibiting, and using art as a powerful expression of resilience.

 

After the salon, guests were treated at a VIP tour of the 16 booths of works from Jewish/Israeli artists that were featured at the Fair.  Guests received the Hampton Fine Art Fair Jewish Edition 2026 Guide, specially created by Art World for Israel and StandWithUs SE. 

 

“Why are we here today?” Sara Gold Rafel, Executive Director StandWithUs Southeast, asked the audience: “It is because Jewish voices must be heard. We must amplify the antisemitism Jewish and Israeli artists are experiencing and creating safe spaces where they can share their experiences and gain strength from each other and the community.  Ariel and I are committed to this mission. StandWithUs sees art as a powerful educational tool to foster empathy, build awareness and promote dialogue in high schools and universities. It is the students in SWU’s programs who suggested this initaitve. They are exhibiting these artists’ works, bringing positivity to their schools and showcasing the beauty and creativity of Israel.”  

 

Ariel Penzer, Founder of Art World for Israel, said: “This gathering reflected exactly why Art World for Israel exists. We believe supporting artists means more than attending exhibitions—it means building the relationships, philanthropy, and institutional partnerships that ensure Jewish and Israeli artists have a permanent place in museums, collections, and the historical record. Our goal is to transform moments of conversation into lasting action, creating an enduring infrastructure that will support Jewish culture for generations to come.”

 

Rachel Klinghoffer, Chair of the Advisory Board of Art World for Israel, said: “There was something incredibly meaningful about bringing 45 artists, collectors, curators, philanthropists, and community leaders together at the home of Stacy and Michael Cohen. Presented in partnership with StopAntisemitism and StandWithUs, our panel discussion sparked an honest conversation about what it means to create, support, and protect Jewish culture at a time when antisemitism is reshaping the cultural landscape. We then continued that conversation through a guided tour of Jewish and Israeli artists at the Southampton Fine Art Fair. At Art World for Israel, we believe meaningful dialogue must lead to meaningful action. By connecting people who care deeply about art and Jewish culture, we are building a community that creates lasting impact—supporting artists, strengthening institutions, and ensuring Jewish and Israeli voices are collected, preserved, and remain part of our shared cultural legacy.”