Meital Sivan Sheni

“Over the past year, the Home Front Hangar has received, among other things, items that together form a complete mosaic of the Israeli home almost since the founding of the State. We felt it was right and fitting to present this wonderful collection as a gallery within the hangar. For each person, the concept of the ‘Israeli home’ evokes a different association and a different memory. The collection itself was formed through donations from various places and people, so it truly encompasses many styles:

• Collections of tableware and porcelain that made aliyah with grandparents from England, Germany, Poland, and more 
• Crystal and glassware 
• Dining-room utensils and memories from the kibbutzim 
• A selection of ceramic and utilitarian vessels from the finest ceramic factories in Israel 
• A beautiful representation of Murano glass 
• Items that featured prominently in homes during the 1980s and 1990s 

All of these are combined with furniture, artworks, and textiles identified with different periods.

I believe that every family that comes to the Hangar, even those who are not necessarily vintage enthusiasts, had something like these items at home – a home that was destroyed, one they were forced to leave, or one they cannot return to for various reasons. Sometimes they choose to adopt an item that was once in their home and lost; sometimes they choose to go in another direction, one that does not awaken memories. But the sight of these items always sparks conversation and nostalgia, and there is no doubt that this is something worth preserving.

On a personal note, I am a vintage enthusiast and work with vintage in various aspects of my profession. As a kibbutz member all my life, working with vintage allowed me to express myself in a different, unique way. At the beginning of my journey at the Hangar, I accompanied families in the extended track that existed at the time, which included a visit to the temporary apartment, a day of collecting items at the Hangar, and a day of arranging the items in the apartment. The collection stage was very challenging, as it required synchronizing the available inventory, the family’s taste and wishes, and my own eye, which sought even in this situation to create a space that would feel as complete, harmonious, and home-like as possible.

After a short break, I returned to the Hangar, this time as part of the team responsible for the Vintage Gallery – both the sorting of the contents and collection and the manner of its presentation and curation. I feel this is currently the most fitting way for me to contribute my knowledge and understanding of vintage that I have acquired over the years.”

Ran Arnon

“A collection from the past accumulated in the Hangar 
Utensils, cabinets, people from another time 
A story here, a story there 
An object that reminds you of Grandma 
A doll that recalls childhood 
A dialogue that brings forgotten things back.

Our collection is a gathering of both objects and memories – from childhood, to Grandma’s house, from the greengrocer to the kibbutz dining hall.

When you look at a pitcher, you see both what it contains and what it symbolizes. The shape, weight, and material are merely triggers that awaken what you keep deep inside.

The collection is deep emotions coming out, inviting you on a journey – a journey you arrive at and continue from the moment you enter the hangar.”