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 Posted on Wed, Nov. 13, 2002

She is a former Miami resident that made aliyah to Israel with with her husband and daughter four years ago. Leslie Naveh was born in New York City, grew up in Wilkes Barre, Pa., and moved to South Florida just over 20 years ago. It is here that she met her future husband, Ehud, an artist and jewelry designer for Oscar De La Renta. He motivated her to become involved in art and the two opened a successful jewelry design studio specializing in

gold and silver custom pieces and commission designs for the Jewish federation,

as well as other organizations.Naveh and her husband participated in several

art events including the Miami Beach Festival of the Arts.

Ehud's dream was to return to his homeland, Jerusalem. It took Leslie three years

to prepare for a move which she states, "was a surprisingly easier adjustment

to make than I expected. The only pain is in the separation from my two children

from a former marriage who decided to remain in the states.

It is one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome.''

At the time of her move, the atmosphere is Israel was wonderful and Ehud

worked with the tourism department on a project for the city of Jerusalem

preparing for the millennium celebration. He was part of creating

''Jerusalem 2000 Administration'' to accommodate the many thousands of tourists

expected to arrive by the busloads coming to share in this renowned festivity.

Naveh said, "It was so wonderful to see our Israel thriving, businesses booming

and the general feeling of peace and prosperity here in a country with a history of

economic woes. Our future looked happy and bright.''

But shortly thereafter, the Intifada began and the streets, Naveh said,

"became empty of tourists. Sadness and fear came over us with each news report.

By night I watched the missiles fly into Bet Jalla from my terrace.''

In the midst of these darkened times, Naveh refused to give in to sorrow

and instead became inspired to create keeping her spirits high.

The response she received regarding her art was a motivator for her.

''In spite of all the hardships, there is still a beat in Jerusalem that spells hope.

I capture this in the theme of my art. I thank God for the gifts he has given me

and the courage to fulfill my dreams,'' she said.

Her love of the lion and its symbolism with Judaism became her inspiration

to create a special collection called "Lions of Jerusalem.''

This collection of wooden lions posed within the official Jerusalem City logo

are decorated in the most brilliant and beautiful themes.

Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind and hosts a cast of characters

such as ''Islander'', ''Don Cor-Lion'', ''From New York to Jerusalem''

as well as " Bible stories".

The city of Jerusalem honored Naveh by inviting her to do a one woman exhibition at its

City Hall where Mayor Olmert gave an opening speech and received her "Lions Wall" Sculpture.

This year she will display her collection at the Jerusalem Theater and it can always

be viewed on her website at http://www.lesliesart.com/.

Naveh's ''Lion's of Jerusalem'' series which includes lion masks, canvas paintings and giclee prints can also be viewed and purchased this weekend at the Michael-Ann Russell JCC Shop Israel Event on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, where she was chosen as the artist to open the exhibit.

Naveh expressed her hope that "the people of South Florida realize the true gift

of support they are giving us by their participation and attendance in this event.

As a member of a people who have endured many difficult times and turmoil,

my collection reflects optimism for a better future.''

Naveh is a ''Jewess of Jerusalem,'' whose art exemplifies her joy of living there

                         and just like her is beautiful and uplifting.