“What does HaMaabada mean anyway?” a curious voice whispered from the back of the group. It’s a question I often get here at HaMaabada. The name itself sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? HaMaabada, in Hebrew, translates to “The Lab.” And in a way, that’s an apt description for what this place represents. HaMaabada isn’t just a theatre; it’s the original title of a powerful 2013 documentary by Israeli filmmaker, Yotam Feldman. The film, known in English as “The Lab,” takes a hard look at Israel’s defense industry. Feldman explores the chilling reality of how this industry, employing hundreds of thousands and training military personnel from across the globe, has become a significant part of Israel’s economic success. He questions whether this “economic miracle” is not despite but because of the conflicts Israel has faced. The film’s title, “The Lab,” refers to the occupied territories, where Feldman argues, new weapons and tactics are being tested in real-life scenarios. While this theatre isn’t directly connected to the film, the name echoes its provocative and thought-provoking theme. It’s a reminder that even in a place dedicated to art and entertainment, the complexities of history and reality are never far away.
Yeusefiya Cemetery
Were these once vibrant lives, now commemorated beneath our feet? We stand before the Yeusefiya Cemetery, a place where history