On September 12, 2024, the iconic Liebling Haus in Tel Aviv hosted the European Night of Literature, which was dedicated to the theme of European childhood. This unforgettable evening brought a combination of literary readings, screenings of short films and discussions with contemporary Israeli authors.
This extraordinary literary evening, which attracted a large audience, celebrated the diversity of European literature through readings from the works of authors whose texts reflect the nuances of growing up in Europe.
The evening started with a light welcome cocktail and reception on the roof of the Liebling Haus, which created a pleasant and friendly atmosphere for the guests. During the evening, excerpts from the works of Simona Bohatá, Anna Berest, Lena Gorelik, Yannis Palavos, Virginija Kulvinskaitė, Elvira Navarro, Szczepan Twardoch, Matei Florian, Filip Florian and Peter Handke were read. Individual stories were read by well-known Israeli actors such as Adi Gilat, Alon Friedman, Liron Ben-Shlush and Yiftach Klein.
The event also included a panel discussion with contemporary Israeli authors Avihaim Nizri and Tamar Hochstadter, who brought a deeper perspective on themes of childhood and identity in literature in Israel. The event concluded with a screening of short films, including Pickles (dir: Ania Kaspi Shema, Miri Dochikian), Amna (dir: Guy Nemesh) and A Farewell Letter (dir: Elkie Leonie Hershberg). Touching on themes resonating with literary works, these films provided a powerful visual complement to the entire evening.
The combination of literature, film and thoughtful discussion created a rich cultural exchange and an unforgettable experience for all involved. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this evening possible, as well as to the attendees whose presence made this a truly special night. The atmosphere and impressions of the evening will undoubtedly stay with us for a long time, and we look forward to further opportunities to celebrate literature together.