This article includes external links to YouTube videos where you can hear and see the authors mentioned. Some of the content is in easily understandable Hebrew.
The Tel Aviv literature scene is vibrant, featuring many young writers in their twenties and thirties, and some in their forties.
One of the most experimental literary magazines in this scene is Hava Lehaba (הבה להבא), led by Israeli poet, editor, and critic Oded Carmeli. This wonderful magazine not only publishes innovative poetry but also organizes poetry events and runs a publishing company for its poets, including the celebrated sixty-year-old poet Yoav Ezra.
Notable contributors include poets Emmanuel Brutus Lewy, philosopher Dr. Jeremy Fogel, Gal Azran, Shani Pocker, Roy Caspi, and many more. Hava Lehaba maintains its own website and distributes free magazines across bookshops and coffee places in Tel Aviv. Although the magazine includes poets from England, all publications are in Hebrew, significantly contributing to contemporary Hebrew culture.
The study of Israeli literature, with its diverse expressions and colors, is promoted at Tel Aviv University and other universities across Israel. The Tel Aviv literary scene is vibrant and progressive, reflecting the dynamism of its contributors.
Another notable group in Tel Aviv is Barhash (ברחש), which includes poets like Eran Hadas and Daniel Oz, the son of renowned Israeli novelist Amos Oz. Barhash hosts unique events where artists draw the poets as they read their poetry. These two groups, Hava Lehaba and Barhash, frequently interact and collaborate in joint poetry events.
One of the young poets in this scene is Larissa Miller, known for her humor and youthful touch. She has organized many reading events and published two books. Her humble approach and social nature make her a key figure in the community.
In Jerusalem, another poetry group called Poets of Babel (משוררי בבל) promotes writings in all languages. Their activities are often coordinated through WhatsApp, spreading their work over the internet (you can follow their Instagram & Facebook pages). Larissa Miller publishes in Ha'aretz, and Oded Carmeli writes for the Israeli Space Agency.
In every Hava Lehaba Event, Jeremy Fogel (prominent lecturer at Tel Aviv University, where he received his doctorate) sings with the crowd of literary men the song of William Blake and Lectures about philosophy, Science, avant-garde, and theology.
The Israeli literature scene is enriched by the dedication of these poets, whose language and culture deeply touch their audience. Hebrew is their mother tongue, and they are determined to make a lasting impact on Israeli culture.
This literary movement has been encouraged by figures like Aharon Shabtai, Professor Gabriel Moked, and the late Meir Wieseltier, giants of Israeli literature from the fifties, sixties, and seventies.
If you haven't yet explored their works, it's highly recommended to do so, whether digitally or by visiting a bookshop to see the many publications available.
External links
Oded Carmeli’s video presentation: YouTube Video
Yoav Ezra’s poem: YouTube video
Dr. Jeremy Fogel’s video conference about Secularity and Religion:
Gal Azran’s poem
Shani Pocker’s poem
Eran Hadas’s poem
Daniel Oz's video presentation
Aharon Shabtai's poem
Gabriel Moked's video explanation bout Bialik
Meir Wieseltier's poem with English subtitles
Hava Lehaba's website
Barhash's website
Babel's website
Article Written by Dr. Tal Slutzker
PhD.M.D. Medicine, Philosophy, Sociology. Tel Aviv University.
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