The Zfunot Tarbut organization was founded in 1997 to promote, assist and support working artists. Artists are the people who traverse the social and geographic boundaries of reality and through their art enable us to rise above the mundane. Nurturing each artist also means nurturing the creative spark in our souls and in our culture. The reality of our lives forces artists to struggle for their existence, each in his/her own method and field, and in most cases their art requires support. To raise funds, Zfunot Tarbut holds events and concerts, with the proceeds from these events constituting the means to realize this important goal. The organization was established in commemoration of Dr. Zfania Cohen, of blessed memory, and bears his name. Founders: Dr. Ilana Cohen, Varda Genosar, Benny Goldstein, Yitzhak Kaul, Hagai Koren, Haviva Makov, Rami Mardor and Reuven Ravid. Zfania's life story (1929-1996) reflects the history of our country in all its beauty and strength. His mother was Jerusalem-born and his father was born in Motza, then a small Jewish settlement in an Arab environment, where the young Zfania grew up. He went to school in Kibbutz Giv'at Hashloshah and later attended the highly regarded Kadoori Agricultural School, completing his studies in its 13th graduating class in 1948. He volunteered for the Haganah and later for the Palmach, fought in the War of Independence, and was sent on secret missions abroad. Later he was one of the founders of Kibbutz Revivim. He left the country to study agriculture in the U.S., but soon changed direction and switched to geology, convinced of the imperative to focus on the search for oil in Israel. The needs of the country were his first priority, and, indeed, he was the person who announced the discovery of oil at Heletz in the Negev. He continued searching, free of preconceptions, and with exceptional integrity, undeterred by opponents who could not comprehend his innovative, distinctive mindset. Sociable and purposeful, he was loved and gave love, knew how to listen, and was supportive in times of crises. He had broad horizons, the soul of a musician, and a wonderful sense of humor. Above all, he knew how to be a friend! A true friend. May his memory be blessed. Dr. Ilana Cohen, Chairperson Reuven Ravid, Attorney Avner Tabak, Treasurer Karin Tirosh, Secretary Uzi Abel Varda Genosar Benny Goldstein Ora Holin Yitzhak Kaul Hagai Koren Haviva Makov Rami Mardor Dan Ziv