As this project was in its planning stages, we realized that our dream could not have happened without persistence and cooperation with local authorities. Rimon worked diligently to acquire the necessary resources and approvals.  We recruited a high-quality teaching staff and designed professional programs. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Akko customized the city’s cultural center building to meet the needs of the Rimon campus, and invested in top-notch musical equipment.  The city adopted Rimon North as a flagship project and supported every initiative aimed at strengthening the community. The initiative was received with great enthusiasm among young residents of the North, by allowing them to stay closer to home while pursuing their music studies. Unique to this campus, Rimon North also offers student housing in the Old City of Akko (assigned by the Eyal Association) for those who elect to live there.

 

Benefactor partners who shared our vision for this venture:  Student scholarships endowed by The Reconciliation Factory; top of the line musical equipment gifted by The Jewish National Fund (JNF); and philanthropist David Lowy, who helped finance the student housing which greatly enhanced the overall student experience. These partnerships strengthen the connection between the campus, the local community, and various cultural and educational entities. 

 

In July 2022, the campus opened with a great ceremony to welcome our pilot entering class of 40 students. The launch event featured a festive performance by Miri Mesika, Valerie Hamaty, and a visit by President Isaac and First Lady Michal Herzog.  Rimon appointed Galia Ben Saadon (a Northern resident and Rimon graduate) as Director of Rimon North. Many Rimon North students have chosen to move to Akko, thus creating a growing musicians colony.  Each student’s unique contribution ensures the music becomes the bridge that connects people from all over the country, and sweeps the city towards a new era of culture and creativity.

 

Despite COVID, Rimon North flourished because of Rimon’s “the music never stops” philosophy. When necessary, the gifted faculty pivoted to conducting classes via Zoom and the students stayed committed to their work.  Sigal Barzilai from the Municipality assisted by encouraging students on campus, while advocating for support resources.

 

As the pilot class approaches the graduation finish line, we can see the exciting results of this courageous endeavor, as the student sound resonates across the North and nationwide.  Rimon is proud to be embraced by the City of Akko, which has stood as a nucleus of the arts for many generations. The language of music opens gateways for transformation. We cannot wait to see how the Rimon North success story unfolds, as we continue to work with the city and future emerging partners to affect immediate, tangible change. 

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The Rimon School of Music Executive Committee:

Harry Lipschitz, Chairman | Yehuda Eder, President | Moshe Sinai, Managing Director| Orlee Sela, Director of External Affairs