Complex yet optimistic: New puzzles by Kravitz

To mark Israel's 76th Independence Day, Kravitz introduces a limited edition puzzle showcasing the characters of Israeli cultural heroes: Arik Einstein, Binyamin Ze'ev Herzl, Naomi Shemer, Shimon Peres, Rachel Bluwstein (the poet Rachel), Golda Meir, Hannah Szenes, and David Ben-Gurion.

The puzzle, manufactured in Israel, consists of 120 pieces sized 46/68 cm, suitable for ages 3 and up. Designed for families to assemble together on the country's holiday, the game kit includes a booklet detailing each character and their contribution to the nation, allowing parents to share stories of bravery and uniqueness with their children while completing the puzzle.

The puzzle's illustration was created by Israeli artist Olga Saley Romano (34), residing in the communal settlement of Lapid. Olga, a graduate of the fashion design track at Bezalel, has been drawing for as long as she can remember. At the age of two and a half, she already had a drawing of her father, and since then, she has developed and honed her abilities to a professional level. Olga employs various painting and drawing techniques, including digital illustration on an iPad and computer, as well as classical painting, in the truest sense of the word, entirely by hand.

For the puzzle illustration project commissioned by Kravitz, Olga chose digital and computer illustration techniques, which she completed after a month of work. She explains, "I chose the characters in collaboration with my contacts at Kravitz; it was important for all of us to maintain a fitting representation, including female figures, of heroes who still influence our lives today. Since this is a game intended for the whole family, we wanted to provide an additional value of an inclusive, educational, but also memorable family experience. We chose to illustrate the characters on the beach to give the puzzle an optimistic, romantic, and innocent atmosphere. The sea symbolizes feelings of freedom and independence for me and many others, so I incorporated motifs that correspond to these values. You can also see symbols accompanying the evolution of the state, from a childhood palace in the sand and the state's declaration to Israel's success as a high-tech powerhouse, with an illustration of a modern commercial center."

Olga's resume is diverse and fascinating: "I was very happy to receive the invitation from the folks at Kravitz. This is my first job with such a large commercial company, and I'm excited that my painting will bring joy and serve so many families. So far, I've illustrated for small businesses that appreciated my work and for organizations I'm connected to, like 'Children at Risk.' I welcome the new opportunity Kravitz has opened up for me in such a significant commercial scope."

Olga's works have been featured in exhibitions with a social value nationwide, such as the "La Culture" exhibition, featuring selected Israeli illustrators. After the outbreak of the current war, she joined the management team of the "Portrait for Remembrance" project, in which about 600 illustrators joined forces to depict the fallen and murdered, showcased in the "Great Light" exhibition in Jaffa Port. Olga chose to illustrate Alina Pravosudova z"l, commander at the Urim base who fought like a lioness and defended her commands to the last moment. "After being exposed to yet another 'released for publication' horrifying and shocking news edition, where I encountered this beautiful, ginger girl for the first time, I just knew I had to document and immortalize her, and give her the honor she deserves," shares Olga. "I painted Elina with sacred trepidation and respect, while trying to learn more about her character and personality. Unfortunately, I didn't know her personally, but I know we lost a great woman in life, a true heroine. I hope my painting preserves her and leaves her with us, even if symbolically, even if not in reality."

More of Olga Saley Romano's works can be found on her Instagram page

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According to Amit Shabtai, Kravitz's trade and import manager: "In our country, all parts of society are like pieces of a puzzle: each part is important and vital, and only when all the pieces are put together, we get a complete, magnificent, and pride-inducing picture. With this message in mind, we embarked on our mission to create such a limited edition puzzle, featuring cultural heroes who are invaluable assets to us all. We invite the public to assemble our unique Israeli puzzle together with their families and wish every household in Israel a happy Independence Day."

To celebrate the launch, the puzzle will be sold at NIS 59.90 instead of NIS 79.90, until May 21 or while supplies last. The puzzle is available in nationwide retail stores and online shop.