Gaga Movement is a private organization which does not receive financial support from the government of Israel, nor does it represent the State of Israel or any body other than itself. Developed by Ohad Naharin, Gaga is a movement language that is open to all, regardless of race, gender, nationality or any other identity or status. Gaga’s teachers and users hail from around the world, and classes take place internationally.
For decades, Ohad Naharin has consistently spoken out against the occupation and human rights violations. Naharin and the Gaga organization continue to stand unwaveringly against the abuses committed by the Israeli government.
We must separate the actions of the government of Israel from the citizens of the country. Gaga and Ohad Naharin call for an immediate end to the war and return of all the hostages who were abducted by Hamas during the brutal October 7th attack. We are horrified by the scale of human suffering in Gaza, where ongoing atrocities against civilians continue, leading to devastating loss of life, land, livelihood, and culture. For years, and also now, we call for true equal rights for Palestinians, the end of the occupation, and a diplomatic process leading to Palestinian self-determination.
Since 2014, and during the war, Gaga has held classes as fundraisers for the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, which works towards human rights and civil liberties in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Gaga is also planning an additional fundraiser with Standing Together, which works for equality and justice for Palestinians and Israelis. Many Gaga team members and teachers are also taking individual action on the ground, such as protesting against the government’s crimes, marching for an end to the war, and demonstrating tirelessly for a change in government.
Amidst the ongoing tragedy in our region, we believe in the power of Gaga to connect, to heal, and to amplify our sensitivity to and compassion for others. We dance to take action within the cultural sphere of which we are part, and to open our eyes and our sensations to the world around us. Through movement, we strive to create a more generous, open-minded, equal society.
Just as we continue to oppose our government, we will continue to dance.
– Gaga Movement
We welcome you to read more of Ohad Naharin’s statements:
- Interview in Haaretz (December 2023)
- Statement on Gaga’s website
