If you will it

On August 23, Kos & Kaos hosted The Herzl Party – If You Will It, an evening that blended history, music, and celebration into something truly unforgettable. The atmosphere at Zahlkasserer Schafts Plass in Frogner was electric from the very beginning, with guests dressed in capes, corsets, and monocles to channel the spirit of 1890s Vienna.

The soundtrack of the night was provided by Becks Guttene, whose klezmer rhythms lifted everyone onto the dance floor. Their energy carried the room, and as the night unfolded, the music was joined by the clinking of glasses filled with cocktails inspired by Herzl and Zionism — the favorite of many being the witty “Hava Negroni.”

Throughout the evening, speeches offered moments of depth and reflection. Haviv Rettig Gur, Leif Knutsen, Martin Bodd, and Sam Glassenberg each brought their voices to the gathering, weaving together insight, humor, and vision. Their words reminded us of Herzl’s enduring legacy, while sparking conversations about the challenges and hopes of today.

As the night grew late, the community came together in a joyous Horah, dancing in circles of energy and laughter. And the celebration didn’t stop there — the party continued until two in the morning, a blend of serious ideas and playful chaos, of symbolic snacks and strong cocktails, of music, friendship, and shared purpose.

It was an evening of festive Zionist surrealism, where Herzl’s dream met our present moment, reminding us that even in uncertain times, we can gather with joy, curiosity, and courage.