Israeli Choreographer, Noa Bar Or, Shares Son’s Story Through Music and Dance

Mother and son Noa and Uri Bar Or

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On Friday evening, August 8, 2025, the Houston community is invited to Congregation Beth Yeshurun for a powerful and emotional presentation by Israeli choreographer and dance leader Noa Bar Or, who will honor the life and legacy of her late son, Uri, through music, dance, and storytelling.

In May 2024, her 21-year-old son Uri, a soldier in the Israeli army, was tragically killed in Gaza when an explosive device detonated inside a clinic, taking his life and that of two fellow soldiers. The loss shook her family and community—but rather than retreat into grief, Noa chose to honor her son through the things he loved most: music, dance, and connection.

Uri was not only a soldier but a gifted musician and artist. From a young age, he studied classical music and composed four original pieces. One of them, “The Heartbeat", was performed by a full orchestra when he was just 18 years old. That music will now reach new ears in Houston, as Noa shares her son’s creation with a congregation halfway across the world. Uri’s creativity extended beyond music. While still in high school, he choreographed a dance for his classmates—an expression of joy and movement that Noa continues to teach around the world in his memory.

In addition, Noa choreographed a new piece in his honor titled “The Door Will Be Open”. Set to a song performed by a special needs choir and incorporating sign language, the dance reflects Uri’s values of inclusion, kindness and compassion. Noa’s presentation is more than a memorial. It’s an invitation—to listen, to feel and to remember the power of art to carry us through tragedy. It is a message of strength, hope and the enduring bond between a mother and her son.

The Houston community is encouraged to attend this special Shabbat evening at Beth Yeshurun and hear Noa’s story—a tribute to Uri, a young man whose spirit lives on in every note and every step. Noa will be joined in Houston by her husband, Kobi, and fellow choreographer Keren Oren. Together, they will lead a weekend of Israeli dance workshops. The heart of their visit begins Friday night, with a story of love, loss and resilience.

Save the Date: Israeli Dance Master Class Weekend – August 8-10, 2025: Noa and Keren’s visit is part of Machol Houston’s annual Israeli Dance Master Class Weekend, which will take place from August 8-10, 2025, in Houston. This unique event will feature world-class instruction, including inspiring classes led by Noa and Keren, and will provide a vibrant celebration of Jewish culture through dance.

Machol Houston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Israeli dance and culture. Their mission is to build bridges and lift spirits through dance, creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all. They offer a variety of dance programs, including weekly dance sessions, senior dance activities, and their highly anticipated annual master class weekend. Whether you are new to Israeli dance or a seasoned dancer, you will find joy, connection, and inspiration in this special weekend. For more information, please visit www.macholhouston.org.