Music, Museums, and Wartime Resilience: Inside the Weintraub Family Life
The Weintraub family from Givatayim shares their life before and during wartime, balancing museum curation, classical cello performance, and a deep-rooted musical household.
Life in Israel often balances between everyday financial realities and personal passions, especially against the backdrop of wartime challenges. In a series focusing on families across the country, the Weintraub family from Givatayim opens up about their lives, career shifts, and deep-rooted passion for music.
Living in Givatayim and Wartime Community Spirit
Alex, 54, and Hila, 54, have lived in the same four-room rented apartment in Givatayim for 23 years, paying below market rates. Alongside their sons Itamar, 25, and Omri, 20, the family has built a cozy life in a neighborhood that feels like a throwback to the past. The area combines quiet residential streets with proximity to Tel Aviv, creating a unique urban balance.
During wartime rocket alerts, this strong community spirit translated into impromptu neighborhood bonding. Hila recalls how residents shared resources in the shelter:
«We received a crate of apples and brought it down to the shelter. Each family took some, and a friendly baking competition developed: for a whole week, every apartment brought its own version of an apple cake.»
Fulfilling Dreams in Culture and Art
Alex spent eight years as the marketing manager of Dizengoff Center, spearheading major cultural events before stepping down due to stress. Today, he serves as the CEO and curator of the Man and Nature Museum in Ramat Gan, fulfilling a long-held dream while completing his curatorial studies at Shenkar. Recently, he launched his first exhibition, Living Fashion, which paired taxidermy displays with avant-garde designs created by 12 Israeli fashion designers.
Hila has been a dedicated cellist since childhood, inspired by a character in the television series Fame. After serving as an exceptional musician in the Israeli Air Force string quartet, she transitioned to teaching young conservatory students and performing across genres. Beyond classical music, she has shared the stage with prominent Israeli artists like Berry Sakharof, Danny Robas, and Ninet Tayeb, embracing the electric energy of rock performances.
A Musical Legacy and Financial Balance
Music permeates every corner of the Weintraub household. Their eldest son, Itamar, studies at the Rimon School of Music and plays bass guitar in an indie-rock band called Baishanit, while their younger son, Omri, currently serving in the IDF, produces hip-hop music and writes original tracks.
Financially, the family maintains a strict aversion to overdrafts. With their children past expensive private schooling years, they enjoy disposable income for cycling trips abroad and attending legendary concerts, with Alex recently purchasing tickets to see Stevie Wonder perform in Germany.
