America-Israel Cultural Foundation, Inc.

I received the AICF scholarships from age 9 to the age of 16 when I came to the US to study. These scholarships were incredibly helpful to me and to my mother and made my cello studies possible. I will forever be grateful for this support.

Inbal Segev

The America-Israel Cultural Foundation was crucial in helping me launch my career as an Israeli pianist living in America. I was lucky to receive scholarships from them towards my musical study while still living in Israel as a child. These scholarships made it possible for me to study despite our modest means. As I moved to the US to further my studies, the AICF continued to help, for years helping me find paid performance opportunities which not only furthered my experience as an artist, but also helped support me through those early lean years. Now, as a 30-year professional in the field, I have seen this organization do magical work promoting young Israeli artists of all kinds through the years. They create a cultural bridge between our two nations which is invaluable and cannot be replicated through non-artistic means. I cannot speak highly enough of the AICF and what they have done for me and countless other artists for generations!
-Orli Shaham

The America Israel Cultural Foundation is a family. It is a home. It identifies the highly talented in the arts field, supports them, guide them, nourish them and above all love them. This is an inspiring organization which I am so proudly call HOME!

There are no words to describe the help and support I have received from AICF during my whole life, support which led me now to live in NYC, be studying at The Juilliard School, working on my art day by day at the place I want to be at, reaching my goals as an artist.
AICF goes beyond the financial aid (which is not to be undermined- and I would not be able to afford my life in the last 6 years with out it), but also the exposure and opportunities they give. Through AICF I attended courses and classes and concerts and festivals. In 2016 I attended the Aspen Music Festival through AICF, which led me to meet my teacher today, with whom I am studying at Juilliard. That initial opportunity to attend the festival opened many doors for me.
Beyond all that, the people who run AICF are always there for a chat, to help, and doing their work from a pure place of helping young people in the arts reach their potential and their dreams.
I am so grateful to be a recipient of the AICF scholarship and a part of the community.

AICF has been following me since I was 16 years old, and throughout my entire career. As a young musician growing up in Tel Aviv, AICF provided both financial and professional support in order to pursue my studies. Then throughout my studies at Juilliard they recruited me to perform at high-visibility engagements and bolstered my opportunities in the field. In the 20 years since, they've been a constant anchor and great champions of my work.

Or Matias

I have received an excellence grant from the American Israel Cultural Foundation in 2018. This has helped me launch my career and gave me confidence as an emerging artist.
During the pandemic I received another grant from AICF to help me during these difficult times. This gave me a breath of fresh air when I was struggling financially.
Since then I have been in touch with AICF, gave a talk an participated in other programs. I am thankful for everything AICF have done for my career and recommend them for your program.

The America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) holds a special place in my journey, having extended a helping hand at a pivotal moment. Their support propelled me towards pursuing my career.

However, AICF's impact goes beyond finances. Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, their creation of an engaging virtual community, complete with talks and discussions, provided solace and distraction. These events not only fostered connections but also nurtured a sense of unity during trying times.

I had the best experience with the America-Israel Cultural Foundation. They have been supporting me and my career as a musician for more then 10 years.
Since I moved to NY in 2015, I've been performing around the world with my music, in 2020 I was nominated for a Grammy with the Anat Cohen Tentet. The Foundation has been there for me and been helping me and many other artists to share their art with the world.

My name is Hila Plitmann, I am a two time Grammy award winning vocalist and performer, currently living in Los Angeles.

I was born in Jerusalem and my artistic path was made possible, in part due to the initial and invaluable support that I received from AICF for many years of my young career.

AICF gave me many study grants that, year after year, allowed me to continue living in NY and continuing my studies at the Juilliard School.

They opened up donor concerts for my participation and I’ve met a number of musicians and collaborators through such concerts that have remained fast friends and colleagues.

I now experience life as a full time artist and creator and hold such deep gratitude for the AICF in providing an incredible nourishing ground for myself and so many others in art, and in essence in bringing out the beauty and kindness of people in this world.

As an AICF board member, it is a great joy to be part of an organization that cares deeply about Israel’s finest young artists. AICF provides life-changing support to Israel’s great rising stars. Especially in these crucial times, artists need us more than ever. I encourage you to support AICF and these emerging young talents.

This historic cultural institution has a long list of some of the world’s greatest artists to its credit! AICF invests in the development of Israeli artists who are capable of showcasing Israel’s finest talent to the world. As culture is the hallmark of a society, AICF is a place where dollars invested in Israel return for many years, if not forever. Every lover of Israel should diversify some of their contributions to AICF!

AICF has been consistently devout in its service to young artists. 85 years into its journey, they have gone well beyond the call of duty despite limited constraints. Thousands of artists would not have the careers that they do if not for this organization.

As a board member, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of AICF on the lives of countless young artists. AICF's dedication to nurturing and promoting artistic talent in Israel is truly remarkable. Their scholarships provide talented artists with invaluable opportunities to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. The impact of AICF's support can be seen in countless success stories of artists achieving international recognition. Thank you, AICF, for inspiring positive change, empowering artists, and lifting up Israel's art and culture. AICF's unwavering commitment to artistic excellence sets a remarkable example for philanthropic endeavors in the US, Israel, and beyond.

I have donated to and attended AICF events for several years. I have found their concerts expand my horizons with new experiences that I would not have sought out on my own. I believe AICF is a vital organization for assisting young Israeli artists to study and grow in their chosen fields and reach their potential as creative artists. I hope that AICF will continue to play this role for many years to come and look forward to enjoying the new talents they foster.

My organization regularly organizes short residencies for Israeli creative artists. We have found AICF to be a consistently outstanding resource for identifying talented individuals of Israeli origin both in Israel and the US.

Our office in Israel regularly encounters musicians whose work was furthered by a grant from AICF at a critical time in their career development. AICF's continuing relationship with the artists it supports is a model for long-term development

I have discovered many great artists from all disciplines that I'm convinced I would not have otherwise, thanks to the efforts of the AICF. They provide a valuable bridge between artists from America and Israel, and should serve as a model to all other cross-cultural initiatives.

AICF is a major force in promoting and sustaining Israeli arts and artists. over 71 years, it has provided scholarships and grants to thousands of young Israeli artists, and their recipients/alumni lists (which i had the pleasure of reviewing) consist of almost every artist that is still working in Israel and outside of Israel today. I was honored to receive their scholarships for 2 years in a row, as a young film student, and their help has literally started my career as a filmmaker. It gave me the confidence, the push, and the financial aid, to start turning my film ideas into films, and embark on a long artistic journey, that is still continuing today. they have done so with many of my friends, who are now at the top of the Israeli film, TV, theatre, music, and art fields.

On a trip to Israel I had the opportunity to attend AICF auditions for study scholarships. The quality of the talent was amazing. The students were judged by paid professionals in each discipline with no influence by the AICF on the decision process. Both Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs qualified for auditions. Many of the young people participating would not be able to continue their studies without the help of an organization like AICF.