A Salute to Israeli Films on Yom Yerushalayim - Jerusalem Day

Tonight at sundown Israel starts celebrating Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, a national holiday.

Fifty-eight years ago, in 1967, the Israel Defense Forces broke through the Jordanian defenses and captured the Old City of Jerusalem, marking the reunification of the city under Israeli control.

 

To share this joyous holiday, we're posting a medley of songs from classic Israeli films from the unforgettable face of Chaim Topol to lesser-known cinematic gems.

 

Featured films include The Policeman, Sallah Shabati, Kazablan, and The Band. They are sung by Azi Schwartz, cantor of New York City's Park Avenue Synagogue.

 

Chag sameach! 

 

Now Streaming: "Kugel" - a Prequel to the Beloved Israeli Series "Shtisel"

If you loved Shtisel, the Israeli TV series that ran for three seasons a few years ago, you'll be glad to know that the same writers and production team that created it have released a new eight-episode series called Kugel. The new series is a prequel to Shtisel and takes place in Antwerp, Belgium, the home of Nuchem Shtisel and his daughter Libbi.

So it's a delicious return to where it all began, but you won't see Dov'aleh Glickman, Michael Aloni, Neta Riskin and Shira Haas, who played the memorable roles of Shulem, Akiva, Giti, and Ruchama in the original. Sasson Gabay and Hadas Yaron have the leading roles in this prequel, and award-winning Israeli actress Mili Avital also has a major role.

Years before Akiva Shtisel and Libbi crossed paths, Kugel takes us to Antwerp, Belgium, where Nuchem, a charming yet rule-bending jewelry dealer, juggles ambition, love, and family drama. As his marriage crumbles, his daughter Libbi dreams of becoming a writer—until a chance encounter on an Antwerp tram changes everything. Told with the humor and heart that made Shtisel a global sensation, Kugel explores love, ambition, and the delicate balance between tradition and individuality. From the creators of Shtisel, this is a deliciously complex story you won’t want to miss!

Shtisel is still streaming on Netflix, but to watch Kugel you'll have to subscribe to IZZY, the Israeli streaming service. IZZY costs $15 a month, but they're offering an annual subscription that brings the monthly cost down to $7.

Here's the trailer for the 8-episode series. Enjoy!

New Streaming Platform "Izzy" Joins Netflix, Hulu with All-Israeli Films and TV

If you've run out of new films and series to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, and you're looking for some new content from Israel, here's some good news.

 A new streaming platform called "Izzy" has just made its debut, with all Israeli shows and films.

As Jessica Steinberg wrote in The Times of Israel,

“Shtisel,” “Fauda,” “The Baker and the Beauty, “When Heroes Fly” — these are some of the binge-worthy Israeli shows that have happily made it to Netflix.

There are other local shows and films that have not reached the global platform, but are worth watching. And now that content may become available on Izzy Stream Israel. 

Izzy is the new media content platform created by 30-year-old Josh Hoffman, a Los Angeleno immigrant who came to Israel on Birthright, was introduced to Tel Aviv, and never left.  

The for-profit platform charges $4.99 a month, and has gathered 5,000 viewers since its May 21 launch, said Hoffman. He is hoping to double that figure each month.

The streaming service currently offers more than 100 titles, including feature-length films, shorts, and documentaries. It can be accessed on your smart TV, computer, smartphone, tablet, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, and more.

According to Izzy's promotional material, the service is like “if Netflix and Israel had a baby,”

Enjoy!

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