Culture

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
Noam Bettan will represent Israel at Eurovision 2026.

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

Independence Park in Jerusalem is being renewed

Independence Park in Jerusalem is being renewed

VERA KUNIS.

Three artists, three questions: Immersed in colors


Heritage Minister Eliyahu to visit North Macedonia as gov't guest to strengthen diplomatic ties

The potential cooperation between the two countries and Eliyahu's visit will emphasize "shared values and respect for religious and cultural heritage."

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu (R) and North Macedonian Ambassador to Israel Mr. Shpend Sadiku (L) meet at the Knesst to discuss strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries, January 6, 2026.

Israeli artists build bridges at Xavier University, Nation’s only Catholic HBCU

“The fact that I am singing not in English but in an African language resonates with the students and helps propel them on their own quest, ” the artists explain.

Israeli artists Neta Elkayam and Amit Hai Cohen are partners in life and in music.

‘Let’s start bigger’: Israelis behind ‘The Department of Magic’ detail creative process - interview

Amit Weiss, an acting and cinema student at Sapir Academic College near Sderot, and Talia Novich, a technical writer in Haifa, are creatively inseparable.

The Department of Magic.

Jerusalem Highlights: January 2 – January 8

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

Viewpoint from Tashach Path

‘Last Christmas, I gave you Iran’: Trump, Netanyahu in Mar-a-Lago love fest on Eretz Nehederet

The sketch mocked the contentious relationship between the two, where the prime minister is often subservient to the president but pretends not to be.

‘Last Christmas, I gave you Iran’: Trump and Bibi in Mar-a-Lago love fest on Eretz Nehederet

Israeli film awards proceed as boycotting nominees reverse course

Filmmakers who withdrew from the culture ministry’s film awards will participate after a compromise was reached amid threats to reform the Cinema Law.

Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar speaks at a ceremony marking the reopening of the newly renovated Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, August 11, 2025.

French actress, icon, advocate: Brigitte Bardot passes away at 91

Born in Paris on September 28, 1934, Bardot grew up in an upper-middle-class household. She described herself as a shy, self-conscious child who "wore spectacles and had lank hair."

Pictures of former actress Brigitte Bardot are displayed during a media preview of an exhibition in Boulogne-Billancourt, western Paris September 25, 2009. The exhibition devoted to the French star will run from September 29, 2009 to January 31, 2010.

Boundless Bach at the 12th rollout of the Jerusalem Piano Festival

The 'Bach for Two and Three Pianos' concert makes for one helluva evening’s entertainment, but Shapira takes the presentation offering and listening experience a step or two further.

Ronen Shapira adapts his Cultural Piano to numerous genres and styles.

Before ‘SNL,’ there was Sid Caesar and a roomful of Jewish writers

Legendary Jewish comedian Sid Caesar dominated the television screen beginning in the 1950's and left a lasting mark on American showbusiness as we know it.

Imogene Coca and Sid Caesar in a promotional photo for "Your Show of Shows," in 1952. The television show ran on NBC from 1950 to 1954.

Three artists, three questions: Recurring motifs through chaos and order

Three artists, three questions, and a shared urge to find order in chaos through repetition, light, and form.

Ariel Hacohen