Culture

Culture Minister Zohar releases video skewering the film industry

The Israeli film industry is at its lowest ebb in decades, perhaps ever, as more film festivals around the world openly or covertly boycott Israeli movies.

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026.
The tradition of “Mazel Tov” and the belief in luck and fate continue to accompany Jewish life from its ancient roots to the modern world.

Why "Mazel Tov" endures as the Jewish World's Favorite Blessing

EVGENIA DODINA in ‘Mama.’ She exemplifies the kind of woman who has made the devastating choice to leave her family behind so that she can support them.

Israeli actress Evgenia Dodina triumphs in Or Sinai's ‘Mama’ - review

 Israeli journalist Amir Tibon's "The Gates of Gaza" retells his family's experience on Oct. 7 and his country's experience since.

Israeli author Amir Tibon wins Sami Rohr Prize for Oct. 7 memoir


Israel’s Wine Festival begins next week

The Yehuda wine region will celebrate its annual wine festival throughout the month of June with a festive opening event in Latrun and hundreds of regional wine experiences.

The annual Mateh Yehuda Wine Festival returns for its 28th year

The art of staying relevant: Career longevity, branding, and cultural influence in entertainment

“Lasting entertainment careers are built on adaptability and authenticity.”

Greece calls for return of Parthenon Statues from British Museum at UNESCO, backed by 20 countries

Greece and Turkey argue that Lord Elgin had no firman permissing him to remove the artifacts, while the UK claims Elgin had all necessary documents and brought the Statues to Britian legally.

Visitors view the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, at the British Museum in London on January 9, 2023.

‘One Eye Open’ documentary wins award

The prize from the Weil-Bloch Foundation and NFCT for the IDF tale is set to be presented at Tel Aviv's international documentary film festival, Docaviv.

A SCENE from ‘One Eye Open,’ which tells the story of a group of soldiers in reserve duty during the Israel-Hamas War.

Jerusalem highlights: May 22-28

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

Sigmund Freud (see Saturday).

Fourth Rahat Film Festival brings cinema, culture, city tours, Bedouin heritage to life

The fourth Rahat Film Festival brought 4,000 visitors for screenings, filmmaker encounters, city tours, and a celebration of Bedouin culture and Middle Eastern cinema.

FROM LEFT: Yarona Ben-Shalom Richardson, Muhammad al-Krenawi of the Rahat Community Center, Fadi Ziadna, Lior Kalfa, and Suleiman Abo Madegem, the director of Rahat’s Cultural Center.

Who gave Israel the coveted 12 points? Noam Bettan secures 2nd at Eurovision thanks to public vote

Despite mass calls to boycott due to Israel’s participation, which led to several countries withdrawing from the contest entirely, Israel scored a whopping 220 points from the public televote.

Noam Bettan with dancers

From Wagner to Eurovision: The debate over Jews in music - opinion

A number of European countries have objected to Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

Noam Bettan will represent Israel at Eurovision 2026.

Independence Park in Jerusalem is being renewed

Independence Park is about to undergo a comprehensive facelift as part of a large–scale project led by the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Foundation, and the Eden company.

Independence Park in Jerusalem is being renewed

Three artists, three questions: Immersed in colors

Artists explore the use of color in their art, often to find a path to a positive, optimistic outlook on life or to encourage viewers to action, to take action or give them strength.

VERA KUNIS.