National Library of Israel

Ink and irony: A closer look at the cartoonist who chronicled Israel’s formative years

From a discarded book at the National Library to iconic sketches of Arieh Navon, a personal journey through the satirical heart of early statehood reveals the humor and grit of our founding years.

THE CHIZBATRON, (1948) by Arieh Navon
THE NATIONAL Library of Israel

Grapevine: Crown jewels

Kol HaOt Passover Festival.

The Passover playbook: Jerusalem activities the whole family can rally around during war

‘A Ma’apilim Ship,’ painting  by Marcel Janco (see Friday).

Jerusalem highlights: March 27-April 2


New library, new hope: Scholars, tourists, and refuge at the National Library after Oct. 7

The war is never far from the sight and minds of visitors and staff, but the quiet exhibition dedicated to the hostages gives contemplative and heart space to mourn. 

 The National Library of Israel

'Holding Liat': Docaviv Film Festival to open with hostage documentary

The festival will include premiere screenings of over 100 documentary films from Israel and abroad, including 36 new Israeli films.

 Berlinale Best Documentary award winner ‘Holding Liat’ opens this year’s festival.

‘Kafka’s Last Trial’ doc. tells the story of a literary legal battle 

It’s fitting that this movie is being released now, just after the centenary of Kafka’s death was marked, and as an exhibit is running at the National Library of Israel.

 A SHOT from ‘Kafka’s Last Trial,’ being screened Saturday night.

Israel Post celebrates National Library with new stamps

The NLI launched a renewal project that concluded at the end of October 2023, when the new building opened to the public.

 Oren Weinberg, CEO of the National Library of Israel with David Laron, CEO of Israel Post.

NLI commemorates centenary of Franz Kafka’s death

While Kafka (1883-1924) passed away June 3, the exhibition opened six months later – delayed by the war in Gaza and Lebanon.

 A poster from the Kafka exhibition at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem highlights: January 3-9

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

 ‘Oh, My Electric Eye’

Hanukkah: The history of the menorah and hanukkiah seen in ancient manuscripts

The tradition of building up to lighting eight oil lamps (plus one shamash, or servitor) over the Hanukkah period began in the 2nd century CE.

 ‘MISHNEH TORAH’ from 1470 contains a copy of a drawing by the Rambam of a menorah with straight branches.

Hanukkah fun in Jerusalem: Activities for everyone for the Jewish festival of lights

A sneak peek at some of the fabulous family activities happening in Jerusalem this Hanukkah.

 A sufganiya (jelly doughnut) tour of Mahaneh Yehuda in Jerusalem for Hanukkah (Illustrative).

Top 10 reasons to leave the house: December 13-22

Fun events to take part in throughout Israel in the coming week.

 Kamea Dance Company’s ‘White Face.’

'Metamorphosis of an Author': Kafka exhibit to open at Israel's National Library

Running from December 4 to June 30, 2025, the library will showcase over 80 original items from its Kafka archive, many of which have never been seen by the public.

 THE ORIGINAL publications of Franz Kafka at the National Library.