More than 5,000 UK youngsters take part

Five actors are staging 75 performances of three short plays in Jewish schools and youth groups across the UK to mark 75 years of Israel.

A collaboration between the London-based arts company Tzemach Productions, the World Zionist Organisation (WZO) and private donors, the festival combines entertainment and the arts with Hebrew. Participating schools are supported with work packs and exercises covering vocabulary and grammar.

Perry Katz, a teacher at Hasmonean school, said: “The festival is simply wonderful, a fabulous opportunity to acquire new skills and enhance learning. The standard is breathtaking.

“All students, those fluent in the language and those who are not, are able to benefit from this cultural extravaganza.”

Noam Reef, head of WZO, said the organization “continues to strengthen the connection between the Jewish people, Hebrew, and Zionism today. The Hebrew language, one of the foundations of Zionism, is more important today than ever.”

The shows continue their tour on Friday, passing through Cambridge on the way to Liverpool and Leeds.

Ivrit Festival/ Scene & Be Seen