This year, once again, the Storytelling Festival will take place during the intermediate days of Sukkot, marking it as one of the most prominent cultural events in Israel. The festival will feature top storytellers who will share the narrative of the country from various perspectives in line with the current era: personal and historical tales, stories of heroism and heritage, testimonies, as well as musical and comedic performances that reflect the fascinating human mosaic that comprises Israeli society.
This year’s events include: stories from the paratroopers’ heritage, “Almonds and Raisins” with Yossi Alfi and the Givaatron, tales of Israeli vineyards and wine, life-saving stories – a tribute to Magen David Adom, institutional stories, “In Every Generation” – historians discuss antisemitism from the past to today, stories of female heroism, stories from B’nai Brith, tales from the pharmacy, stories of the Givati Brigade, the Poles are coming – celebrating 100 years since the arrival of the first families, inheritance stories, Mozart meets Ibn Gabirol, 75 years of the “Taskit” – the revocation of citizenship for Iraqi Jews, and more.
It’s unfortunate that some events are scheduled on dates that violate the Sabbath, which marginalizes the religious public.
Among the participants are: Moshe “Bogie” Ya’alon, Adina Bar-Shalom, creator Shay Li Atari, Imad Faras, Tamir Pardo, Dori Ben-Zev, Leonid Patchka, Tilda Rajwan, David Midan, Esther Roth-Shahamorov, Roni Somek, MDA CEO Eli Bean, Yoana Elyan, Efraim Shamir, Aviva Abidan, Jackie Levy, and others.
The festival will be held as it has every year at the Givatayim Theater, this year from October 14 to October 22. It is the largest festival of its kind in the world, maintaining its tradition for 31 years. It was first established in 1993 under the artistic direction of storyteller, theater figure, author, poet, and media personality Yossi Alfi.
The festival narrates the riveting stories of Israel and its residents through the eyes of hundreds of storytellers – media professionals, artists, military personnel, entertainers, and many others from across the diverse spectrum of Israeli society. Alongside panels covering a variety of topics, performances by some of the most prominent cultural figures will be featured.
The stories of women’s heroism, whose strength has become symbolic in our generation, will take center stage in the powerful and uplifting event “Women’s Heroism”. In this current time, many women, including wives, mothers, and soldiers, display remarkable resourcefulness and bravery on the frontlines and at home. It’s time to honor them and listen to the stories behind their heroism, told by trailblazing women such as Orna Barbivai, the first female major general in the IDF, Adina Bar-Shalom – Israel Prize laureate for lifetime achievement and founder of higher education in the Haredi community, Lt. Col. Dani Ben Ezra, the first infantry female battalion commander in the IDF, and Yonat Daskal, a paramedic with MDA and manager of the humanitarian project “Ambulance of Wishes”.
Another key event in the festival will be a panel titled “Institutional Stories” – a tribute to generations of service members in honor of 75 years of the Israeli intelligence organization, famed for its daring and secretive operations that have captivated many worldwide. Former senior members of the organization, including Tamir Pardo, David Midan, Nachum Admoni, and Itzik Barzili will participate in the event.
In light of the rise of antisemitism globally since the onset of the “Iron Swords” war, a panel titled “In Every Generation” will feature historians discussing the phenomenon of antisemitism from its historical origins to the present, which has manifested in acts of violence and incitement against Jews worldwide, as well as propaganda and disparagement aimed at the State of Israel. Participants include Aryeh Golan, Prof. David Passig, Prof. Uzi Rabi, Yosef Hadad, and Prof. Miron Hayim Izakson.
The event “Elite Unit” will recount stories from the Givati Brigade, celebrating 40 years since its establishment. This will include Isaac Levit, president of the Givati Association, Imad Faras, Dr. Michael (Mika) Nitzan, Lt. Col. Meital Slavin, and Brigadier General Yaakov Nitzan, accompanied by songs performed by Aviva Abidan and the Southern Command Ensemble.
An emotional Jewish evening, “Ladino Here and Now,” will be dedicated to the Ladino language, which originated from the hardships of the Jewish community in Spain that was expelled from its homeland. While some believed it would fade into oblivion, the dedicated efforts of guardians of this ancient language have kept it alive through singing evenings, language courses with participation from children and teenagers, and more. Panel participants will discuss their efforts to preserve Ladino, including Prof. Shmuel Rafael, chairman of the Ladino Authority, Avi Shalom, CEO of the Spanish Community Council, Dr. Ariel Lazarus, and Prof. Eliezer Papo. The evening will feature Ladino songs and performances by Hani Nahmias, Shiran Shachar Borak, Koby Zarco, and Shachar Borak.
The festival will also tell the story of Israeli wine during a fragrant evening (including tastings!) featuring top winemakers and wine experts sharing stories about the delightful Israeli wine and the drama behind producing the happiest beverage known to humankind. Additionally, we will delve into the fascinating history of the B’nai Brith community, a Jewish charity organization established over 180 years ago that fights against antisemitism.
As in every year, the festival will conclude with a traditional Iraqi hafla in a special evening titled “Roh’e B’la Raja’” to celebrate 75 years of the “Taskit,” which revoked the citizenship of Jews from Iraq, a community with a rich historical and cultural heritage. The panel will include Zionist Ptahel Kofrova, Prof. Moshe Mashiah, Roni Somek, Prof. Esther Meir Galitzenshtein Aryeh Bar, and Itzik Barzili, accompanied by wonderful Iraqi music.
Alongside all these, there will be many other performances: the love of Ladino, Kismoroni, “What Happens Abroad Stays Abroad,” Buki Na’eh and friends from the criminal world, “Visitation Rights” – the Blind Battalion returns in a new show, beloved songs by creators from the valleys with Natan Selor and Hagit Liron, a Biblical performance with Jackie Levy and Eran Tzanach, poets in jazz, witty sayings, Greek love songs, and more.
The founder and artistic director of the festival, Yossi Alfi, states: “The Storytelling Festival is, in essence, our story, as Israelis. Every year, we bring to the festival stage the most powerful and moving human and communal stories. In a period as complex and challenging as the one we have experienced over the past year, there is nothing more important than remembering who we are, what connects us, and what we are fighting for. However, the festival will not be an event centered on conflict. We will also present a lot of joy, humor, and music to provide the audience with some respite from daily events.”
Tickets are available for purchase on the website: https://did.li/TElgT
