The  young man, a paratrooper, Dubi Arie gazed at the wondrous sight before him. An overwhelming feeling rose up from deep within him , a personal awakening that resulted from his life-long quest to understand the struggles of the Jewish people.

Although it would be several years before he would finally put brush to canvas, the mission of Dubi Arie — artist, soldier, farmer and holocaust survivor — had already begun.

Deeply aroused by his experiences in the Six Day War, Dubi embarked on a massive artistic project that he perceived as a “national mission”, a major contribution to his people that would require total concentration and devotion in the years to come.

“I believe, with all my heart, that my destiny was guided and continues to be guided by the power above, towards the biggest and most important challenge in my life — the implementation of this creation. When I succeed in this holy mission I will know that there was a purpose for my life. I will know that the tests which I have faced were the preparation for this esteemed purpose.”