Shuli Feuer-Schein from Haifa • Journalist, lecturer and significant figure in the world of media and art in Israel • In her book 'The Unsaid Things'

Shuli Feuer-Schein: A fascinating life story of art, heroism and love

Shuli Feuer-Schein, born in Haifa, carries with her an extraordinary life story, full of challenges, survival, and artistry. Her childhood, formed between the experiences of a post-World War II home and the beginning of life in the Land of Israel, intertwines within it the story of her family, the values ​​of education and culture that her mother and father, Holocaust survivors, passed down to her, and the way she grew and became a role model in the fields of education and writing in the world of media and art in Israel.

Feuer-Schneier managed to create a full, fulfilling life for herself, with an emphasis on the arts, music, and creativity. Every detail of her life constitutes a personal story that is a testament to the human ability to revive great values ​​and continue to develop even after difficult experiences. Indeed, in addition to containing her with warmth and love, her parents raised her to be independent and to cope with the difficulties of life, in the spirit of the thinking of Holocaust survivors: "Who knows what a child will be like today, and what difficulties the future holds."

"I live here too"

Here is the section that brings you fascinating Haifa characters in their homes, where the introduction is through the stories, the burdens and the unique perspective of the people who make up the human mosaic of our city of Haifa. In other words, these are the people who live and work here, just like the section's name - "I live here too."

In this section, we will get to know the characters from Haifa and their place of residence, where the acquaintance is not through the size of the apartment, or a real estate appraisal, or a design description alone - rather, the essence of this acquaintance is to get to know the stories, the emotional baggage, and the unique personal perspective of the hosts.

This time we will visit the home of Shuli Feuer-Schein, whose life story is not only a story of a second generation of Holocaust survivors, but also a story of education, heroism and perseverance. Throughout her life, it is evident how her childhood experiences, the in-depth education her parents gave her, and the cultural and artistic values ​​they instilled in her – shaped Shuli’s character.

The Feuer-Schnein Family: A Heroic Story of Survivors

Shuli was born in Haifa, the only daughter of a pair of Holocaust survivors: her father, Sigmund Feuer, and her mother, Blanka Schein. Her father, a forestry engineer, served in Poland as the person responsible for managing the forests of Count Potocki. Her mother, Blanka, was from a wealthy family, with a comprehensive and prestigious education, which included mastery of Polish, French, and German. She studied at the prestigious school for nuns, and her mother's twin brother also studied at such a school, but the equivalent for boys. Blanka was supposed to be an opera singer, and her brother was a successful concert pianist.

As part of Polish society, Blanka and Sigismund met at one of the parties held in the forests of the region at the time, and in February 1938 they were married. Not long after, World War II broke out.

The hardships of war on the one hand and the heroic deeds that were accomplished on the other are well described in Shuli Feuer-Schein's new book "The Unsaid Things". This is a breathtaking book about love, marriage and survival under the Nazi occupation and about heroic deeds in the Polish underground under false identities. This is a book about the difficult memories and heroic deeds during the war. This is a book that discusses the memory of hardships, courage and survival under impossible conditions.

After the War: Immigrating to Israel and Building a New Life

After the war, the Feuer-Schein couple moved to Munich, where Sigmund completed his studies in chemistry and Blanca studied fashion design. In 1948, with the establishment of the state, they immigrated to the Land of Israel on a ship carrying illegal immigrants and disembarked at the port of Atlit. With their possessions and jewelry, they were able to settle in the city of Haifa, where Sigmund found work in the refineries and Blanca opened a haute couture workshop.

Over the years, Blanca employed two seamstresses and together they created a collection of luxurious clothing for high society women. She designed collections for women, including the wives of ambassadors and consuls – but her great love for music did not disappear, and she continued to be active in singing in the Haifa Municipal Choir.

A warm and embracing childhood – a rich and cultural education

Shuli Feuer-Schein grew up in a warm and loving home. Her parents, both Holocaust survivors, knew the value of a comprehensive, quality education. Her father invested heavily in Shuli's upbringing, believing that the girl should develop in the cultural and artistic fields.

From the age of two months, her father signed her up for a membership in a music club, from which quality records were received every month, as well as books from "Am Oved" publishing house and even a stamp collection. In their home, music was an integral part of life, and they made sure to enrich their child's spiritual and cultural world.

As a 'good girl from Neve Sha'anan', Shuli completed her elementary school studies at the 'Bari' school (now the Open School) and, with all her children, she joined the 'United Movement'. In high school, she studied at the 'Real School', majoring in literature.

Her artistic development – ​​from ballet to a car accident

Alongside her spiritual and cultural education, Shuli Feuer-Schein did not remain passive. She not only received cultural education, but also actively engaged in it. From the age of 7 to 12, she danced in a ballet class, while at the same time playing the mandolin, and at the age of 13 she began studying classical guitar at the Donia Weizmann Conservatory.

However, at the age of 19, while still a soldier, she had a serious car accident at a checkpoint, in which her right hand was shattered and she was forced to stop playing. She turned the pain and disappointment of stopping playing music into an inner strength that allowed her to continue developing in other ways.

Educational experiences in the IDF – a soldier teacher in Beit Shean

Shuli served in the IDF for two years as a soldier teacher in Beit Shean. During her service, she taught English using the "television method" to the students of Beit Shean and became a role model for them. Not only did she teach the English language, but she also succeeded in enriching their musical world. She was able to navigate the different levels of motivation and personal knowledge of each of her students, thus imparting the English language to them in a unique and experiential way.

Her students enjoyed her as a 'soldier teacher' when she was almost their age, with whom they could consult and whom they were allowed to confide in, as well as an English teacher and a music teacher. Together they sang Beatles songs, 'Delilah' sung by Tom Jones, and other songs that were at the top of the foreign song charts at the time. Shuli managed to combine English language studies with the field of music, thus creating unforgettable learning experiences for her students.

The Academic Journey: Broad Knowledge of Subjects in the Fields of Art, Psychology, and Neuroscience

Shuli Feuer-Schein has extensive academic knowledge: she studied art history and political science as part of her BA at the University of Haifa, and even completed an MA in psychology. She holds an MA in art history from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and also began doctoral studies in the field of neuroscience at the University of Haifa (2011-2012).

In addition, she holds a professional diploma in Chinese medicine-acupuncture and has also successfully completed the Chinese herbal medicine study track at 'Medicine'.

Leading the field of journalism and education in the North

Today, Shuli Feuer-Schein is a significant figure in the field of Israeli media and art, who over the past few years has contributed greatly to the advancement of journalism, art and education. Currently alive, Shuli serves as the acting chairwoman of the Haifa and Northern Journalists Association (2017-2025) and plays a key role in promoting journalists and protecting their rights, especially in the northern region.

In her role as a professional leader, she is part of setting policy and action designed to improve the working conditions of journalists and support the promotion of high journalistic ethics.

Curator creativity with cultural impact

As someone who dedicates her time to the field of art, Feuer-Schnein has become known as a renowned curator with a series of select exhibitions that reflect her talent and deep understanding of art and culture. Between 2012 and 2020, Shuli curated a series of exhibitions of great cultural and artistic importance.

One of the most notable exhibitions was the "Surrealist Pillow Project," which was displayed at the Nation Buildings in Jerusalem, alongside "View of the Sea," which presented artworks on the subject of the marine environment, as well as "Urban Mosaic" - a project that resulted in photographic documentation of an urban space in Haifa, which was displayed in the auditorium in the center of the Carmel.

Contemporary Art and Film Culture: Festivals and Exhibitions with a Social Message

Among other things, Feuer-Schein also curated the exhibition "Life in Film" that was presented at the 30th Haifa International Film Festival and dealt with a historical perspective of Israeli cinema. Another exhibition that was part of her work was the "Israeli Art Exhibition for the Diplomatic Staff" at the home of the Kenyan Ambassador, General Augustino Nyoruga, which aimed to raise funds to establish a dormitory for at-risk girls in Nairobi. Shuli also curated a series of exhibitions under the name "Perspective - World and Society", which were presented at Discount Bank branches and dealt with the promotion of artists from the north.

The Municipal Gallery in Haifa: Developing Visual Culture and Educational Projects

Shuli Feuer-Schein curated and described works of art and also served as the director of the municipal gallery "The New Gallery" in Haifa for seven years, where she was responsible for producing numerous exhibitions, including many solo and group exhibitions.

All of this points to her area of ​​expertise, which is both curation and cultural educational creation for the general public.

Inspiring Lecturer: Transferring Knowledge and Opening Horizons in the Field of Art

In addition to her artistic work, Shuli is also a respected lecturer in the field of art history. She has taught at a variety of academic and cultural institutions, including the Karmiel Cultural Center, the Raleigh Museum in Caesarea, and the Weill Center in Kfar Shmaryahu. In addition, she has given lectures on a variety of topics, such as the lecture series "Everything You Wanted to Know and Didn't Dare to Ask" at the Haifa Municipal Theater, which was dedicated to contemporary art. She lectured as part of "Science Creates Art: From Greece and the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence" at Madatech, the National Museum of Science, Technology and Space.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Shuli delivered a series of lectures via Zoom, the aim of which was to maintain contact with broad audiences and cultivate the field of art even during this challenging period.

Family and educational support: working with parents and children with ADHD 

In the past (2002-2005), Shuli Feuer-Schein managed the communications department at the "Knowledge and the K.R.A." association - this is an association for parents and children with needs for consideration in dealing with ADHD. The association's goals are community activities for all sectors of society, regarding learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder, including: activities to raise public awareness, activities with government and municipal institutions to improve the quality of life of people with learning disabilities.

In this framework, Shuli was responsible for producing conferences, lectures, and facilitating workshops on the topic of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, while providing support and guidance to parents and teachers in dealing with the challenges posed by these disabilities.

Quality and in-depth journalism: coverage of social and cultural issues in various mediums

As a senior reporter in the Israeli press, Shuli Feuer-Schein is one of the well-known figures in the media field.

Between 1991 and 2002, she served as a reporter and presenter on Kol Israel's "Reshet B," where she was responsible for investigations and articles in areas such as culture, art, education, health and welfare.

From 1991 to 1993, she served as a television reporter on Channel 1, and was an investigator on the programs "Baruh Zfunit" and "Yoman al-Shavua." Also, from 1986 to 2003, Feuer-Schein served as a reporter for Maariv, where she covered topics such as education, health, and welfare - and served as an important voice in conveying information to the public.

Shuli and her family: a story of creativity and diverse fields

Shuli's children chose to continue their mother's creative path, each in their own field. Shuli, who began her journey in her parents' home in Neve Sha'anan, married at the age of 26 and started a family in the Danya neighborhood, where she raised her three children. She lived in this neighborhood for almost 40 years, and over the years she led her children to maximize their creativity and personal abilities, with each of them choosing to focus on different fields but maintaining a connection to the world of creation and the arts.

The eldest son, Ohad, is now 41 years old and designs furniture. After marrying a Japanese woman, he moved to Japan, where he works as a creative person and his profession is in the field of furniture design. Ohad and his wife have four children, namely Shuli's lovely grandchildren.

The second son, Morag, 38, chose to work in the computer field, and is now completing his degree in computers. Morag currently lives in Haifa and continues to develop his field of interest, in parallel with his personal and professional development.

The youngest of the sons, Lotan, 31, is involved in the field of music and is currently a DJ and sound man. He graduated from the music department at the Leo-Buck School, and, among other things, collaborates with various studios and musical projects. Lotan is also the father of a one and a half year old baby, who is discovering a new field of interest in parenting, alongside his pursuit of music.

The entire family demonstrates the way in which each of Shuli's children found their own personal path in a creative field and in diverse professional fields, while maintaining close ties to the field of art from which the family grew.

Shuli's House: A Place Where History Meets the Present

After many years of marriage and separation from the father of her children, Shuli found herself looking for a new place to start a new chapter in her life.

She chose to live in one of the Carmel neighborhoods, an area that offers a green and quiet environment, an ideal place where she could combine her personal life with her and her family's professional activities. Shuli, known for her passion for art, was looking for a place that would be not only a home but also a source of inspiration.

A meeting with her partner, Dr. Nadav Kashtan, changed her fate.

Along the way, Shuli met her partner, Dr. Nadav Kashtan. In the past, the two were students in the same class at Raleigh High School in Haifa, but over the years each of them went their own separate ways until they finally met again. Nadav, a cultural figure with a master's degree in Greco-Roman history and a doctorate from France, deals with history and maritime cultures. He lectures at the University of Haifa, and also founded and established the Department of Conservation at the Western Galilee Academic College. Shuli and Nadav, being cultural figures with a strong affinity for history and conservation, were looking for a place to live that would complement their lifestyle.

The Broadcasting House: "When the Past and Present Meet in One House"

Together they set out on a journey to find the perfect home – a place that exudes historical character and is located in a green and spacious environment. They looked for a home on a wide and well-lit street, a place that would suit their personal requirements and be a warm and inviting place for their extended family.

Given their focus on preserving and appreciating history, it was clear that the place they chose would combine their love of heritage with the modern need for comfort and a quality environment. From the moment they step foot inside, you can sense what they have created together: an environment where the heritage is preserved and sets the tone for the physical design of the home.

The house, located in one of the Carmel neighborhoods, is full of history and represents the connection between past and present - providing the two residents with the perfect space to realize their love of culture and life.

A window to a house that tells a story of landscape and culture

Shuli Feuer-Schein's home is not only a sheltering and cozy place, but also a place where personal history blends with cultural creation. The home, which displays items with a connection to the modern era, is also the story of a woman who has grown and changed over the years. Every corner of the house, every item, and every picture tells a story about the way Shuli shaped her world, just as she shaped her field of action in Israeli culture.

In the home of an art and culture curator – the experience is impressive from the moment you enter.

The doorway reveals a magical view of the Haifa landscape, where the window frames the unique picture of the living room. The pastoral picture that presents the view from the window provides a natural decoration for the living space. The living room, decorated with cozy seating areas and a warm dining area, offers a warm and cozy atmosphere, and the wood-burning fireplace located to the side is ready to warm the house on Haifa's cold winter nights.

The leading study room for writing and personal memories 

Despite all the beautiful elements that surround her home, Shuli Feuer-Schein finds her true inspiration in her study. This room, which she describes as "a kind of living room," exudes a sense of comfort and love. The room is filled with personal items, each representing a different period in her life, and all together are a source of inspiration for her writing.

The computer, which stands on an antique desk, serves as her creative expression, and around it are displayed items that create and hold a personal story. An old typewriter, photos from the past, antique books and contemporary books alongside them, a collection of articles, an old radio and broadcast tapes from the distant past, a tape recorder, a projector, and newspapers and magazines containing her articles. Every item in this room carries with it memories that invite her to continue writing and creating.

The balcony: a place of nature and tranquility on the roof terrace

The second floor of Shuli Feuer-Schein's house houses the special rooms, the rooms for creativity and memories that have accompanied her throughout her life. On this floor is another guest room that leads directly to the spacious roof terrace. Despite the rainy day, the terrace shows off Shuli's "green fingers," where she chose to plant green plants that form a nice frame for the space.

The multiple seating areas on the roof of the house create an ideal place for entertaining and tranquility. Soon, with the arrival of spring, the balcony is expected to be filled with delightful blooms that will make the place even more magical and relaxing. 

Nadav's study and Shuli's art room: creation that brings memories to life

On this level of the house is Nadav's study, and opposite is Shuli's art room. This is the room where she weaves necklaces from various materials - most of the materials she uses are items from nature such as: shells, small pebbles, beads, stones and glass.

In this room, not only does creativity flourish, but it is also where Shuli stores her memories and items from her childhood home. The books in Polish that her mother used to read to her before bed, 'The Adventures of Misha the Bear' and 'The Snail Who Was Looking for Cheese Dumplings' – are part of this sweet memory. It is also a room where more and more books are kept, many books… and especially reading books.

Valuable items (sentimental): fashion pieces and an antique sewing machine

On the central wall of the art room hang several fashion pieces created by Shuli's mother, who was a well-known fashion designer. Alongside these pieces, paintings, fabrics and other objects, there is also another item that is another symbol of childhood memories – an antique sewing machine that belonged to her mother.

The same mother who raised and educated Shuli, giving her the ability to express herself and deal with challenges, whether in distressing and oppressive situations or in creating independence and self-confidence. She was a mother who carried secrets from the past with her, waking up at night from nightmares of Holocaust memories, but during the day she led a life in which she passed on to Shuli the values ​​of life in an independent and democratic country. Every item in this room conveys the deep connection between Shuli and her family, and provides a glimpse not only into creative endeavors but also into the family legacy that has been and remains with her over the years.

The Book: "The Unsaid Things" – The Pain and Deprivation Versus the Hope That May Sprout

This is a book that deals with what is not said – not only by the characters themselves, but also by the history that has been embedded in their memories and in the relationships they had with their mothers. The story begins in a 'Support Workshop' room in Haifa on white plastic chairs, where six women meet to try to understand the tangle of secrets that have complicated their lives, revealing fragments of images and objects that in a surprising way open a door to a past that was unknown. In this way, the book manages to connect the present with the distant past, while wonderfully conveying the feeling of dealing with personal and collective history, and discovering the scars of time gone by.

Author and researcher Feuer-Schein tells the story of the characters and also offers readers a fascinating journey into the intricate circles of the relationship between mother and daughter. The reading is extremely immersive as each chapter in the story reveals another layer of secret and along the way, as in a mystery, it seems that each new piece of information only adds to the mystery. But in the end, the parts connect into a complete picture. It should be noted that precisely in places where there are answers, a sense of missing out remains that invites the reader to ask questions that explore the fine lines of love, inaccessible emotions, and family complexities that are beyond our understanding.

At the heart of the book is the story of the author's parents, as told by her mother, Blanka, in the last year of her life, which offers a fascinating and unusual glimpse into the challenging period of the war. Here the story moves without leaving room for a breath, a description of love forced under the threat of Nazi occupation, of a marriage built on the fragility of a life on the line, and of heroism forged under a false identity, all while dealing with a Polish underground in the midst of a world war.

The book's special power lies in its ability to combine the personal and historical aspects, and to delve into an abyss of emotions, fears, and concerns that carry the characters into their consciousness, each in their own way. The moving descriptions, alongside the deep understanding of the roots of human existence in dark times, make reading an unforgettable experience.

And yet, there is something tragic about the words Feuer-Schnein chose – a story that touches on places that naturally remain inaccessible, even when there is a desire to discover the truth. In the flow of words, the big question also arises: to what extent can we really understand what is hidden behind the reflection of the past? And who is the true interpreter of secrets that have no clear answer?

"The Unsaid Things" is not just a book about family secrets, but an experiential journey that requires readers to feel the pain and deprivation on the one hand, but at the same time also to strive for the hope that may emanate and sprout from the ruins of history.

Shuli's Haifa: Between urbanity and rural tranquility, a perfect connection to roots and culture

Shuli's life, as seen through the lens of the present, conveys a sense of optimism and peace of mind in the city of Haifa – the city of her childhood, where she found the perfect connection between urban life and rural touches of tranquility. For Shuli, Haifa is much more than a place of protection. It is a city of nature and greenery, which reminds her of her roots, of the simple yet rich life. Here, she lives with the feeling that everything around is wrapped in vegetation, a place where you can feel the urban pulse alongside the rural tranquility – a rare life experience that speaks to everyone.

Despite her immense love for Haifa, Shuli does not shy away from the feeling of missing out that Tel Aviv offers a vast world of fascinating exhibitions, galleries, and performances. However, once she returns to Haifa, she finds nothing more satisfying than the experience of returning home.

Here, in this city, Shuli feels as if she is wearing her "comfortable slippers," a city that embraces her in every corner. Haifa is for Shuli not only a place of protection, but also a stepping stone that takes her back to her roots - to the fields, the forests, and the beaches.

She sees Haifa as a city rich in true treasures, such as: historic buildings, stone houses from the British Mandate period, and architectural elements whose proper preservation can transform the city into an architectural gem that presents its historical and cultural wealth to the world.

Shuli believes that Haifa has the potential to become one of the leading cities in Israel in preserving local culture, if only the right knowledge is found to preserve and maintain the treasures of its past.