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At the intersection of social psychology and the narrative arts, my work serves as an investigation into the power of the metaphor—the linguistic and visual bridge used to transform the visceral and incoherent into something comprehensible. This portfolio catalogs a multidisciplinary career defined by a rigorous exploration of trauma, intimacy, and the human condition.
Portfolio
From Sirens to Sirens is a diary of short visual essays documenting my family’s relocation to Greece following the drastic political shifts in a war-torn Israel after October 7th.
Wars and state violence utilize silence as a primary weapon, separating us until we know ourselves—and those labeled “our enemies”—less and less. From Sirens to Sirens is a direct intervention against this enforced speechlessness. As an author and psychologist, I approach "collateral damage" with clinical and literary precision, utilizing the "slow time" of the visual essay to chronicle the long-tail psychological unfolding of displacement and to serve as a container for the indigestible sensory impressions of war.
What began as an artistic search for a new language became urgent the night before the Israel-US-Iran war broke out. Sensing I had to flee the country immediately, the overwhelming uncertainty possessed me; I began drawing and haven’t stopped since. My daily diary entries are reflections of the material artefacts that persist and hold the weight of the unspeakable and in the process become new such artefacts themselves.
This project utilizes the visual essay as a transformative process to convert these jagged fragments into images and metaphors that can be dreamt, thought and stored as experienced.
I aim to engage the global diaspora and communities navigating the "moral vertigo" of national crisis, offering a contemplative alternative to the polarized velocity of digital news. By documenting the material culture of exile, this work seeks to humanize the statistics of relocation and bridge the silence that governments use to isolate us.
A mock up
From Sirens to Sirens:
A Diary of Exile & Displacement
A Work in Progress
A Retrospective of Photographer Ariela Shavid
Upcoming show at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, 2027
Co-curator with Dr. Joshua Simon
You Should Have Been There:
A mock up
My work on the You Should Have Been There retrospective has profoundly reshaped my understanding of the 'Image' as a site of historical and psychological reconstruction. By excavating an archive of 60,000 negatives that had remained unseen for half a century, I learned that an artist’s autobiography is often written most vividly through how they view others. In these frames, I discovered a ‘participant-observer’ gaze: my mother, Ariela, did not just document the birth of Israeli cultural identity; she used the camera as an act of connection, offering her subjects a mirror in which they could see their own idealised selves.
This process has taught me how the passage of time transforms commercial or mundane documentation into a vital, forensic archive of a society’s 'youthful enthusiasm' before a collective trauma. It has challenged my definition of art—moving it away from the finished, intentional 'masterpiece' and toward the raw, cumulative power of the archive as a form of narrative survival. This insight is now the cornerstone of my own graphic work: I am no longer just drawing scenes; I am curating the 'material culture' of my own exile, understanding that the objects and domestic thresholds I document today are the archival evidence of a life being reassembled in real-time.
I am an American-Israeli ex-pat living in Greece. I hold a PhD in Social Psychology from The New School University preceded by a MA in Psychology and another in Anthropology and a BA in Anthropology and Philosophy from The City College of New York. I was raised in a bi-lingual home where Hebrew was one language, and the visual world was another. My father, Adam Baruch, was a magazine editor who twice served as the curator of the Israeli pavilion at the Venice Biennale. My mother, Ariela Shavid, turned out to be the most prolific female photographer of Israel’s "Golden Age," (only we were not aware of this at the time, but more on this in my portfolio, as I am currently co-curating a big retrospective of her work for the Tel Aviv Museum of Art). My parents cultivated an environment defined by imagery and art. Born in New York City in the seventies, I grew up with a yellow printer’s proof of Andy Warhol’s Electric Chair hanging directly above my bed. From a very young age, I could recite the family lore behind it: the fact that my father had only been able to acquire such a piece because the printer, presumably, had a cocaine habit that necessitated a quick sale.
At the intersection of my work as a writer, psychologist, and visual artist lies a lifelong investigation into the power of the metaphor. My primary drive in all these endeavors is to take the incoherent, the abstract, and the visceral—especially in the wake of trauma—and transform it into something comprehensible.
ABOUT ME
BOOKS
Forthcoming Fall, 2026, Modan-Keter Publishers
How’s Your Mother? is my upcoming memoir that functions as a psychological excavation of the maternal bond in the prism of Borderline Personality Disorder. Moving away from sentimental tropes, tI tried to employ a clinical, almost forensic prose style to examine the actual power dynamics, shared traumas, and unspoken contracts between me and my mother. The book includes photographs by my mother as well as some of my drawings.
How’s Your Mother?
Growing up with a Borderline Mother.
A memoir
Saul Searching (Keter, 2019) follows an aging, once-celebrated Israeli author—a "visiting scholar" at NYU—who finds himself physically and creatively adrift in the wake of 9/11. As he struggles to return to his life in Tel Aviv, he enters into a high-stakes literary collaboration with Alona, a raw, untrained writer whose voice offers him a final chance at artistic redemption—and a dangerous descent back into his past . It is a story of ego, trauma, and the visceral cost of the creative life. This is how it opens:
“At five in the morning, when Saul Semel opened his eyes, he was struck by the fact that it was December 18th, the worst day of 2001, if you don’t count that whole Twin Towers debacle. True, it was a rather insensitive perspective, and yet, just like every December, when his fall semester as a visiting professor at NYU came to an end and he prepared to return to Israel, Saul felt as if he were climbing back on board the Titanic.
The second fact that struck Saul, still lying in bed, was that he’d had that horrid nightmare again, the one where, in one swift moment, he destroys a seven-year rehabilitation process that had cost him dearly. The awful dream flashed through his mind, as swift and savage as a hurricane, leaving Saul mentally drained and with the disturbing sensation of imaginary coke in his nose.”
From the Press:
"Saul Searching takes a delightful pleasure in bidding farewell to the hegemonic 'white male' figure. In this sophisticated novel, Amalia Rosenblum meticulously deconstructs the wretchedness of a famous author who, stifled by writer's block, exploits a young woman in a desperate attempt to reclaim his voice." — Haaretz
"A smart, beautifully written novel that pierces the soul and doesn't let go." — Atara Ofek, Literary Critic
"Powerful and unsettling prose... Rosenblum proves her absolute mastery of the human spirit." — Sari Shavit, Author & Critic
"A profound and suspenseful achievement... remarkably smart and precise writing." — Yaron Fried, Maariv
Saul Searching
A novel
The One With The Black Spot (Zmora-Bitan Publishers, 2014) tells the story of Lily, a gifted girl from a "good home," whose life turns upside down when her parents tell her they are separating.
In a moment of confusion and distress, Lily adopts a sheep and begins to believe that the sheep has supernatural powers and that it will help her get her parents back together, and along the way, impress the teacher she is secretly in love with.
When dealing with the mysterious guest gets complicated, Lily enlists the help of Zohar, a handsome and deceptive street boy with secrets of his own and a rare talent for tattoos.
Slowly, Lily deteriorates, becoming entangled in countless lies and secrets. Will anyone notice what is happening? Is there any way back?
This is how it opens:
“1+1=2.. But not always. What is true of numbers is not true of people. When it comes to people, 1+1 remains 1+1. A couple is just two connected units, which can always be separated. I know because it happened to my parents, and I was left in the middle, a connecting sign trying to unite them without success. But it’s not surprising — I’ve always been better with numbers than with people.”
From the Press:
"A sensitive and touching coming-of-age story... Rosenblum successfully captures the precise voice of adolescence and the complexity of a family’s dissolution." — Maya Becker, Haaretz
"An original and charming book. The blend of everyday reality with a mysterious element creates a plot that is impossible to put down." — Mako
"Rosenblum writes with exceptional honesty about pain, loneliness, and hope. A must-read for teenagers and their parents alike." — Nuritha Review
The One With The Black Spot
A Young Adult Novel
Originally published in Israel, this coming-of-age novel follows a young girl navigating her parents' separation. The narrative examines the intersection between domestic reality and the internal world of a child during family dissolution.
Following its Israeli release, the book was published in Germany by Beltz & Gelberg, with a translation by Mirjam Pressler. The German edition was reviewed by several literary outlets and cultural portals, focusing on its portrayal of adolescent resilience and its psychological themes.
From the Press:
"A novel that surprises again and again, drawing striking parallels to Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince." — Literaturportal Bayern
"Amalia Rosenblum tells a story that is both light and profound. A wonderful, suspenseful book." — Die VOR-Leser
"A quiet, poetic, and incredibly intense novel. Rosenblum portrays the inner life of a young girl with such empathy." — Jugendbuch-Couch.de
The One With The Black Spot
German Edition
Beltz & Gelberg, 2018
Speechless: Israeli Culture as Reflected Through Language (Dvir Publishing, 2007) is an analysis of about a hundred words and terms in then contemporary Hebrew. In it, me and my co-author Zvi Trigger, traced some of the political and cultural processes behind the Hebrew Israelis were speaking.
From the Press:
"Speechless offers a profound and fresh look at the intrinsic link between language and culture in Israel. Rosenblum and Triger reveal how the words we choose—or fail to choose—shape our social reality and national identity." — Dr. Ruvi Rosenthal, Haaretz
"A fascinating journey into spoken Hebrew. Accessible and fluid without ever compromising on academic rigor and profound thought." — Makor Rishon
"A must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the evolution of 'Israeliness' over the last decades through the words it invented, adopted, or forgot." — Yediot Ahronot
Speechless:
Israeli Culture as Reflected Through Language
A Non-Fiction Work co-written with Dr. Zvi Triger
Where the Village Road Ends (Keter Books, 2006) is the coming-of-age story of Johnny and Shoko, two dogs who live on a moshav, who do not get along with each other. One day the two discover something that threatens the lives of the moshav animals, and together they embark on an adventure through which they become good friends, while learning about the diverse nature of animals. The book aims to teach readers about friendship, cooperation, and growth. In 2007, the book won the Zeev Prize for Children's and Youth Literature.
From the Press:
"A poetic look at the cycle of loyalty, friendship, and the quiet bravery required to face the 'abyss' of growing up. This book doesn't just entertain; it leaves the reader with a new dimension of emotional maturity." — the Zeev Prize Committee Citation
"The narrator, almost without mercy, illustrates that reality is more multi-layered and complex than the world of bad fantasy books... it is good and bad, violent and wonderful, wintry and summery all at once." — Ronit Rocas, Haaretz
"A rare and refined work written with handcrafted precision. Like a fine drink that warms you from within, it reminds us that books can still capture the whispers of life with wisdom and heart. Rosenblum manages to hold the very essence of 'life' between her thumb and forefinger, offering a narrative that is quiet, intelligent, and deeply touching." — Makor Rishon
"Rosenblum’s debut for young readers is a triumph of emotional maturity. It teaches us that heroes aren't just those with physical strength, but those who choose to help others despite their own fears. A story of profound psychological depth told with a light, adventurous touch." — Ynet News
Where the Village Road Ends
A Young Adult Novel
Following its success in Israel, the German edition of this coming-of-age story was published by Beltz & Gelberg Translated by the renowned Mirjam Pressler. The novel, which explores themes of loyalty, grief, and the transition into emotional maturity through a unique canine perspective, was well-received by the German literary press and specialized children's literature journals.
From the Press:
"A delightful, heart-stirring tale told through the eyes of our four-legged friends. Rosenblum masterfully mirrors human emotions—jealousy, grief, and courage—within a canine world. A brilliant exploration of friendship and tolerance that proves life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful."
— Stuttgarter Zeitung & Bücher leben!
Best for: About the Book sections or editorial reviews.
"Far more than a simple animal story, this is a profound journey through the complexities of loyalty and loss. Through the eyes of Johnny the dog, readers navigate the painful sting of losing a best friend and the tentative hope of a new beginning. A modern classic of ‘canine wisdom’ for humans of all ages." — Kinderbuch-Couch.de
"A masterpiece of nuanced storytelling. Tender, witty, and refreshingly honest." — Journal of Children’s Literature
"Hundeweisheit für Zweibeiner—Canine wisdom for two-legged readers. A heart-warming adventure that tackles the big questions with humor and grace." — Sabine Hoß, Bücher leben!
Where the Village Road Ends
German Edition
Beltz & Gelberg
Paperback, 2017
Hardcover, 2009
Published in Italy by Salani, the novel was noted for its delicate treatment of complex human truths. Critics in Italy highlighted the book’s ability to navigate profound psychological depths while maintaining a light, accessible touch for young readers. The Italian reception focused on the book’s avoidance of sentimentality in favor of a sharp, moving meditation on identity and change.
From the Press:
"A novel of extraordinary delicacy that uses the eyes of a dog to explore the deepest human truths. Rosenblum avoids the traps of sentimentality, offering instead a sharp, witty, and moving meditation on what it means to grow old and how to make room in our hearts for someone new. A rare gem in children’s fiction." — Liber Database
"Through a summer of scents, wild boars, and territorial disputes, In fondo alla strada captures the essence of loyalty. It is a story that speaks softly but carries great weight, teaching us that the end of one road is simply the beginning of another."— Lettura Candita
"Deeply moving... Rosenblum gives us a protagonist in Johnny who is as stubborn, grumpy, and lovable as any human hero." — Andersen Magazine (Italy)
"A story of great psychological depth, told with a light touch and a tail-wagging sense of humor." — La Stampa (Tuttolibri)
Where the Village Road Ends
Italian Edition
Salani, 2010
In Italy, Where the Village Road Ends (In fondo alla strada) was released in a special edition specifically adapted for beginning readers. This version features simplified language and a layout designed to support those just starting their literary journey
From the Press:
"A tale for children that will conquer adults: a story of love, friendship, pain, and solidarity. This book knows how to cheer and move the reader in equal measure, proving that the end of one road is simply the beginning of another." — SoloLibri.net & L'Angolo di Mara
"Through the eyes of a dog, we explore the deepest human truths. A story that speaks softly but carries great weight—an essential addition to any young reader's library." — Lettura Candita
Where the Village Road Ends
Italian, Young Readers Edition
LA SCUOLA, 2011
And Everything Seems Possible (Keter, 2004) tells the story of Nora, whose life falls apart at age twenty-nine- she breaks up with Michael the day he proposes to her and also loses her job. She decides to return to her mother's house in Jaffa, even though her first memory of it is a well-planned escape at the age of five. At the same time, she begins working as a substitute teacher at the elementary school she attended. Thus, she finds herself sleeping in her childhood room every night, and going to school every morning. The special situation causes Nora to reexamine the important relationships in her life: What did she miss along the way and why? Is it too late to take back the compromises she made? Is it possible to realize a love that has already slipped away? And will the moment return when everything is possible, when everything is possible? And Everything Seems Possible was my debut novel.
From the Press:
"A sophisticated and sensitive novel... Rosenblum successfully produces a self-aware and exposed feminine model." — Haaretz
"The stay in the district of her childhood functions as a particularly fertile ground for igniting the mechanism of remembrance... a flattering caress that takes each item out of its daily routine and gives it a new, almost magical status." — Ma'ariv
"A captivating, witty, and ironic book... The main character is heartbreaking and creates empathy in her unique way." — Ivrit (Literary Selection)
"A typical heroine in the wave of female fiction that has swept the country... Rosenblum refuses to surrender to the mundanity and weariness that often lurks at the door of prose dedicated to nostalgic wallowing." — NRG Culture
And Everything Seems Possible
A Novel
TV & Cinema
Co-director with Ido Rosenblum
Adam Baruch was born into an orthodox Jewish family and became a central figure in Israel's mass media culture. his intense lifestyke led to his untimely death, leaving my brother and me with questions about the gap between our private dad and the gloomy public figure who had quite a few critics.
To answer these questions, we collected thousands of items from his archie, and built a unique exhibition space, to which we invited key figures from his personal and professional life to help us piece together his different aspects and create a more complete picture of our father.
From the Press:
"Memory Agents is a brave and sophisticated departure from the standard Israeli documentary. By building a temporary 'museum' of their father’s archive, Amalia and Ido Rosenblum don’t just memorialize Adam Baruch; they perform a dynamic autopsy of a legend. It is a work of great emotional intelligence that understands that true heritage is found not in monuments, but in the small, tactile fragments of a life." — Haaretz (May 2018)
"The strength of the film lies in its gentleness—in the reconciled and pleasant way his children lead the discussion... The Rosenblum siblings succeed in telling a delicate, personal story about their father. By replacing the traditional 'family documentary' scenes (like visiting a grave) with the act of hanging a street sign named after him or creating a temporary museum of his life, they move beyond the 'what' and illuminate the 'who'."
Walla! Tarbut (May 2018)
Memory Agents, HOT Channel 8, 2018
Documentary
Co-head writer with Ido Rosenblum and Assaf Shalmon
When a cool, laid-back and self-absorbed rock-star finds an Ethiopian baby on his doorstep, holding a note saying he's the dad, he does everything in his power to resist his fate, but in the process realizes life has given him a whole new song to sing.
Omri Gordon's claim to fame is his ethnically diverse group of band members. This "politically correct" appearance is put to the test when he discovers he has a child of mixed race origin. Even though Omri did have an affair with one of his singer's sisters, he refuses to believe the child is his.
He is not ready to become a dad and in addition believes that a child will ruin his chances of winning back Yael, his great lost love. If Yael finds out Omri fathered a child while the two of them dated, all the long-stem roses in the world won't bring her back. But once the paternity test comes back positive, Omri has to face a new reality.
From the Press:
"A refreshing and intelligent cooler for the television landscape. With wonderfully eccentric characters, the series marks a healthy maturation of the dramatic-comedy genre in Israel." — Ynet (Smadar Shiloni)
"The series doesn't fall into the pits of kitsch. The jokes are sharp, the characters are bizarre yet never implausible, and the narrative is genuinely intriguing. A sweet, charming creation." — NRG
"Fluent, amusing, and well worth the opportunity. Rosenblum’s natural introversion keeps the story grounded and relatable, turning a familiar premise into something heartfelt." — Haaretz (Yoav Melamed)
Plan B, Israel, Channel 12, 2015
TV Series
Co-head writer with Shahar Berlovich
Aired on Israel's Channel 10, this scripted drama offers a sophisticated investigation of intimacy and sexuality, viewing modern relationships through a distinct psychological lens. The show follows the lives of urban couples and individuals, exploring the gap between private desires and public personas by deconstructing the "connective tissue" of human connection—examining why we stay, why we leave, and the complex internal contracts negotiated within our most intimate bonds. The production was notable for featuring a cast of Israel’s leading young actors and actresses, whose performances brought a raw, contemporary energy to the series' exploration of urban life and psychological vulnerability.
From the Press:
"A groundbreaking attempt to thoroughly and authentically explore human sexuality. It presents intimacy as a complex, sometimes awkward, and deeply human experience, avoiding provocation for its own sake." — Walla! Culture
"An incredibly bold and honest look at Israeli relationships. The series manages to navigate the fine line between the provocative and the profound, using its unique premise to peel back the layers of modern intimacy." — NRG
"Smart, daring, and aesthetically unique. A sophisticated study of the modern couple in crisis that challenges local taboos while remaining deeply relatable." — Israel Hayom