The Aner Foundation
Honoring the Memory and Legacy of Aner Shapiro z”l
Aner Shapiro z”l fell heroically in battle on the morning of October 7th. Since his death, he has become a lasting symbol of courage and selflessness.
A commander in the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit, Aner was on leave, attending the Nova Festival – a celebration of music, love, and peace – when the brutal Hamas terror attack began. Amid chaos and danger, Aner acted with extraordinary bravery. Unarmed, he stood guard at the entrance of a bomb shelter, fighting off heavily armed terrorists. With remarkable composure, he repeatedly caught and threw back grenades hurled into the shelter, saving the lives of dozens of people through sheer courage and presence of mind.
But Aner’s heroism went far beyond that single day.
He was a person of depth, creativity, and vision – a gifted artist from Jerusalem who expressed his worldview through music, writing, and visual art. His songs, many discovered only after his passing, reveal a profound emotional and spiritual truth. Through his lyrics, Aner shared messages of unity, authenticity, and the power of human connection.
He believed in the transformative power of art – especially music – to heal, to empower, and to bring people together. In life, Aner used his creative gifts to build bridges and pursue social justice. In death, he continues to inspire us to carry that mission forward.
Our Vision
The Aner Foundation is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Aner Shapiro z”l by empowering a new generation to embrace authentic leadership, social responsibility, and creative expression – with music as a central force for change.
We believe music can serve as a powerful tool to heal divides, build empathy, and strengthen communities. Through programs that nurture artistic collaboration and self-expression, we aim to use music as a bridge – connecting individuals, communities, and generations across Israel.
This vision is deeply rooted in Jerusalem – Israel’s capital, Aner’s birthplace, and the city that shaped his creative spirit. Jerusalem’s diversity reflects the full mosaic of Israeli society, making it the ideal home for this movement of connection, creativity, and healing.
The Aner Foundation’s Goals
Honoring Aner’s Story
Through exhibitions, digital archives, and educational content, the Foundation will preserve and share Aner’s artistic works, his personal story, and the enduring values he embodied.
Expanding Access to Music Education
Through educational initiatives in schools and community settings, the Foundation will make high-quality music education accessible to children and teens who might otherwise be excluded from such opportunities.
Empowering Youth from All Backgrounds
We will create nurturing environments that enable at-risk youth and young people from underserved areas to compose, produce, and perform music at a professional level - amplifying their unique voices and stories. These programs will reflect Aner’s values of courage, creativity, and responsibility.
Building Bridges Through Creativity
Music transcends language and ideology. The Aner Foundation will foster shared musical experiences that connect Jerusalem’s - and Israel’s - diverse communities: Jews and Arabs, secular, religious, and ultra-Orthodox alike.
Planned Initiatives
1. The Aner Shapiro Music Center & Campus
A vibrant home for musical learning, creation, and collaboration – inviting children and youth from all backgrounds to write, play, and perform music together. The Center will be built in partnership with Israel’s leading music education institutions and will be located in the middle of the city.
2. The Lion’s Cave: A Performance & Exhibition Space
The Aner Foundation will transform the “Lion’s Cave”, located in Jerusalem’s Independence Park, into a dynamic space for live music, creative workshops, and artistic expression – a place where diverse communities meet and connect.
• A Musical Hyde Park: An open, non-hierarchical stage for young artists – amateur and professional – to perform and express themselves.
• A Heritage Center: A permanent exhibition linking Aner’s values with Jerusalem’s diverse cultural identity.
• A Creative Hub: Using the surrounding caves and quarries for workshops, masterclasses, and collaborative performances.
3. An Annual Contemporary Music Festival
An open-air celebration of contemporary music – featuring artists from across Israel’s social and cultural spectrum – promoting diversity, creativity, and unity.
4. Collaborative Workshops and Masterclasses
Programs that bring together youth from different sectors of society for shared creation, learning, and connection through music.
Strategic Partnerships
The Aner Foundation is designed for collaboration. By partnering with leading cultural, educational, and municipal institutions, the Foundation aims to reach wide audiences and create sustainable impact.
Key partnerships in development include:
- Rimon School of Music: Exploring the establishment of a Jerusalem campus named in Aner’s honor.
- Mizkaka Music Center: Serving secular youth.
- Shirat HaLeviim Music School (founded by Yonatan Razel): Engaging religious and ultra-Orthodox youth.
The Foundation is also working closely with the Jerusalem Municipality, Eden Company, Jerusalem Development Authority, and the Jerusalem Foundation.
Our Model for Sustainable Impact
To achieve lasting, meaningful change, the Foundation is committed to building a strong financial foundation that supports continuous programming and long-term growth.
We seek:
- Initial investment: 25 million NIS – to establish the Music Center and Campus.
- Endowment fund: 50 million NIS – to sustain ongoing cultural and educational programs through annual interest income.
“We haven’t reached the point of no return.
It’s up to us to make the vision come true.
Things may be moving at a snail’s pace,
But I’m unfazed – I get in the zone.
This is my belief, this is my truth.”
– from “Looking for Love” by Aner Shapiro z”l
Join Us
Aner’s life was cut short – but his spirit continues to shine.
With your partnership, we can transform his vision into reality – turning loss into hope, and memory into impact.
Together, we can create a space that protects, nurtures, and empowers the next generation – just as Aner did in his final act of bravery.
[email protected] | +972584833100
Association Number: 580803849
Association Name: Aner Shapiro NPO
Bank: Discount Bank (Bank No. 11), Branch 66
Account Number: 0250990638
IBAN number: IL800110660000250990638