(haipo) – The work of Prof. Blue Simeon Fainero, winner of the Israel Prize in the field of interdisciplinary design and art, was vandalized. The unique work, which has been standing for some time in the urban space – on Yaffe Nof Street in Haifa, was greatly loved by the many residents who knew it. When the destruction that had been done to it was discovered, they expressed deep sorrow.
A local symbol of inspiration and connection
The work – a traffic light flashing the words “Look at me” – has become a local symbol of inspiration and connection to the environment, and has now been vandalized. “It was a small moment of joy – the destruction saddened me greatly,” says Fainero.
This traffic light was no longer a design feature or an urban whim – but a living element in the local landscape, a moment of thought and contemplation for passers-by. According to Fainro, many residents of the neighborhood approached him and told him that during their morning runs, the traffic light had become a point of introspection: “Those words were not just a statement,” he says, “but a call to see – the surroundings, the city, the moment. To remember the little things that make Haifa what it is – complex, fascinating and beautiful.”
"A small moment of joy"
Many of the neighborhood's residents told Fainro that the traffic light was a constant source of joy for them, a kind of quiet signal that accompanied the daily routine with a human and gentle light. "It was a small moment of connection to the city and the environment," he shares. "A simple thing, but full of meaning – that managed to touch people precisely because of its simplicity."
A work that gives hope
But recently, residents discovered that the traffic light had been broken and vandalized, in an act that shocked many of them. The message that reached Fainro, accompanied by photos, stirred in him a feeling of deep sorrow. "It made me very sad," he says. "This is a work of art whose function is to bring joy, to give hope, to remind us of the beauty that surrounds us – precisely in times when we need it more than ever. And here it is, damaged by those whose path is guided by destruction and violence."
Community notebook creation
Fainro, many of whose works correspond with the urban space and the human experience within it, emphasizes the importance of such works. “This destruction evokes a deep sense of disappointment,” he says. “A sense of fundamental lack of understanding about what is worth preserving – not works that disconnect, but rather those that connect the community, that inspire, that encourage reflection and contemplation.”
Out of that sense of community responsibility, the artist immediately contacted the Haifa Municipality's Electricity Department, asking them to take action to restore the traffic light to operation: "I am sure that it gives residents a sense of satisfaction, a sense of belonging. Even if it seems like a marginal detail, its special value to the space is enormous."
Art at the heart of the community
As someone whose work touches not only on aesthetics but also on values, human connection, and the cultural memory of the place, Fainro emphasizes that this is not a private case, but rather an expression of the central role that art can play in the heart of the community.
"I hope the traffic light will be back in operation soon," he concludes. "And that the community will be able to continue to enjoy it as they did in the past – not just as a design element, but as a quiet call to observe, listen, and remember the small beauty and light that accompany us every day."
Sometimes, it seems, all it takes is a small traffic light to re-illuminate what has been forgotten: to look up and see.
Vandalism in the community is evidence of self-hatred…. People whose souls are twisted and fucked up should treat themselves with a psychologist or psychiatrist and stop damaging a work that belongs to the entire public…
Fainro, I'm with you... congratulations on your creation and on winning the Israel Prize...
Eyal 10.4.2025 You are right, ignorant, vandal, ignorant and ignorant of the land,
craftsmanship???????
Hahaha
But the entire area is being filmed, what's the problem with finding the culprits???
Obviously they will destroy something that is reminiscent of the moment of Batman's fake torture and murder by the Joker...
Who wants to be reminded of this difficult scene every time?
The municipality does not do anything to introduce the public to the art in the city's streets.
They don't explain how to relate to art and what its contribution is.
Don't take children to cultural events and museums.
We are raising generations of ignorant children who are alienated from the natural landscape, environment, art and creativity.
So is it any wonder there is vandalism?
It supposedly forces you to look at the camera so that they can see your face clearly, and it really bothered me every time.
So if we have learning disabilities, what about the cousins who learn to corrupt everything that is good for Jews?
Yaffe Nof Street is subject to vandalism and reckless driving every day by groups of Arab minors who come to "celebrate graduation" and, along the way, engage in vandalism and vandalism of the promenade.
When the vandals' parents agree to pay for the damage and rebuild the artwork, there will be no more acts of vandalism. Israelis don't like to pay
It's heartbreaking what's been happening in Haifa lately. Where was the beautiful, quiet city that used to be? Could we walk safely through the city's streets? Where is Mr. Yahav?
Has anyone in the Haifa Municipality ever visited the Carmel Center? This place looks like a slum in Brooklyn, abandoned, broken, dilapidated, full of ugly graffiti. The end of the world to the left. No wonder they vandalized something else.
Neither a work of art nor a symbol. A disgrace to art. The vandalism is regrettable. It could have been returned to someone without breaking.
So sad. Let's hope it gets fixed again
Indeed, an inspiring work of art in an attractive and unique location. Let's hope that the Haifa Municipality will also fix what I think are the wind hazards.
There is a camera above the work. Check it out!!!!
No one damaged the work. It's just the wind and the weather. All the works along the stairs are in a disgraceful state, like a garbage dump. They all need to be cleared away. And it would be nice if it was one hour earlier. It's a shame the artist is also making PR out of it.
There is a certain population whose name must not be mentioned, who have been coming to the place every night for years to make noise, harass, destroy and demonstrate ownership. But because that population has a very fragile ego, its name must not be mentioned, so as not to harm the delicate urban fabric and peace.
Ashley!!!
"The work of art" ????????????