Menachem Z. Rosensaft
Menachem Z. Rosensaft (born 1948 in Bergen-Belsen, Germany) an attorney in New York and the Founding Chairman of the International Network of Children of Jewish Survivors, is a leader of the Second Generation movement of children of survivors, and has been described on the front page of the "New York Times" as one of the most prominent of the survivors' sons and daughters. He also served as National President of the Labor Zionist Alliance, and was active in the early stages of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. As psychologist Eva Fogelman has written: "Menachem Rosensaft's moral voice has gone beyond the responsibility he felt as a child of survivors to remember and educate. He felt the need to promote peace and a tolerant State of Israel as well. He wanted to bring to justice Nazi war criminals, to fight racism and bigotry, and to work toward the continuity of the Jewish people".
Emanuel Gat
Emanuel Gat was born in 1969 in Israel.
He discovered dance at the age of 23, after a workshop for amateurs, led by choreographer Nir Ben Gal. He started working at this period with Liat Dror Nir Ben Gal Company, as well as on his own projects.
He created in 1994 his first solo, "Four Dances" on Bach’s music.
In 2003, he received the Rosenblum Award for Performing Arts and in 2004, the Landau’s Award. In 2004, Emanuel Gat he founded his company, at Suzanne Dellal Center, "Emanuel Gat Dance" and also created "Winter voyage" and "The Rite of Spring" which premiered in France at Uzes Dance festival. The program was a huge success, and toured more than 300 times over the world. In 2006 this program was rewarded by a Bessie Award after its presentation at Lincoln Center, in New York.
In 2007, he created "3for2007", composed of three pieces: a solo danced by Emanuel on a music of John Coltrane "My favourite Things"; a duet "Petit torn de dança" and a group composition for 8 dancers on a music of Squarepushers "Through the Center".
Also in 2007 he leftIsrael and settles his company in France, in Maison Intercommunale de la Danse, in Istres.
"Silent Ballet", a pièce in silence for 8 dancers was his first to be created in France. It was premiered in Montpellier for Montpellier Danse festival in 2008.
In 2009, Emanuel Gat asked his long-time partner Roy Assaf to share the stage with him. They created an hour-long duet, "Winter variations", also premiered at Montpellier Danse Festival.
In 2011, he renewed with group piece and created a choreography for 10 dancers "Brilliant corners" for which he also composes the music, a first time.
The pièce premiered in Venice for « Biennale di Venezia » and is still touring.