ISRAEL

CIOFF® Israel is a non-profit organization engaged in the preservation, renewal, visibility and distribution of Folk-Arts and Folklore Festivals in Israel.The organization operates on a completely voluntary basis since 1970 and has been legally registered in the Register of Associations since 1986.
Shmuel Bialik (1909 – 2007)
Founded CIOFF® Israel. The chairperson between 1970 - 1997. He was recognized as an honorary member of CIOFF® and was the initiator of the Folkloriada.
Dr. Dan Ronan (1933 - 2020)
The chairperson between 1998 - 2018. He was the head of the cultural department in the Ministry of Education, published a book and many articles about folk dances in Israel, was a member of the CIOFF® finance committee and received the CIOFF® gold pin.
Yael Miro and Dr. Ronit Ronan Tamir are the current chairman and CEO.
The members of the association are dance troupes, choreographers, artistic directors, festival directors, teachers and experts in teaching ethnic and folk dance.
Our core value is intergenerational integrity: we are committed to the legacy of the past to the present and to the future.
Our method of operation is partnership with individuals, artistic performance groups, and educational and cultural institutions in Israel and around the world.
Our communication is multi-channel. Alongside face-to-face workshops, performances and festivals we have a YouTube channel and online events.
Since the social distancing of Covid-19 pandemic we produce two unique online festivals:
“Light and Fire”:CIOFF® Israel Online International Folklore Festival
A winter International Folklore Festival on the longest/shortest nights of the year (December 20 - 22). It curates ICH fire rituals and fire dances performed around the world.
""Dancing Shavuot"": The Spring Event of CIOFF® Israel
A local spring festival that curates ICH rituals, dances and songs performed throughout the year.