Hebrew Book Week returns in Israel after wartime suspension
Following its suspension due to Operation “Am KeLavi,” Hebrew Book Week is making a comeback. The fair will resume in a new format tomorrow (June 26) at Safra Square in Jerusalem. This coming Sunday (June 29), the fair will also launch in Tel Aviv–Yafo. The book fairs in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv–Yafo will run through July 3.
Hebrew Book Week (2024/2025) originally began on June 10 in both cities, but was halted three days later due to Operation “Am KeLavi" (Operation Rising Lion). Members of the Association of Book Publishers decided to invest resources and keep the book stalls in place, hoping the military operation would end within days and allow for a return to normal activity.
“The war with Iran brought the country – and Hebrew Book Week – to a halt,” said Miki Chesla, CEO of the Association of Book Publishers. “We insisted on not losing hope and not giving up on holding the events of Hebrew Book Week. Now we’re returning with renewed energy to the book fairs. I’m sure the people of Israel are eager to celebrate books and to meet authors – especially after everything we've been through.”
Hebrew Book Week in Tel Aviv–Yafo will begin this coming Sunday and will run until Thursday, July 3, at Sarona Park. From Sunday to Wednesday, the fair will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Thursday, it will remain open until 11 p.m.
In Jerusalem, the fair will open tomorrow and also run until July 3 at Safra Square, with the same daily hours. Unlike Tel Aviv–Yafo, the Jerusalem fair will also operate on Saturday night, from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Dorit is the head of the Culture Desk at KAN 11.
