As a young state made up of people from very diverse cultures,
Israel (pop. 7M) has a rich and rapidly evolving literary culture.
The  Institute for the Translation of Hebrew Literature (ITHL)
was founded in 1962 to acquaint foreign readers with the best
of modern Hebrew literature. Over the years, the range of its
activities has expanded far beyond translation. Concurrently,
and largely in response to the work of ITHL, international
interest in Hebrew literature has grown significantly.
The timeline below shows a continual increase in translations
abroad as well as in the number of target languages - from 5 to 66!

A panel of independent experts assesses the suitability of new titles
for publication in foreign languages. Only those titles considered
to be of a good literary standard are accepted. In recent years,
the choice of authors and titles has also been influenced by the
response of the international publishing market to our program.

One of ITHL's main activities is the preparation and promotion
of new Hebrew titles in translation. We commission, facilitate
and/or supervise translations into 66 languages. Information
on authors and titles is available to publishers on request.
We also try to ensure that full or partial translations of newly
published books are available in at least one foreign language.

ITHL acts as literary agent to over 230 leading authors of adult,
y/a and juvenile literature. New authors and titles represented
by ITHL can be found in our yearly catalogues, published separately
for adults and children/young adults. Catalogues include synopses,
biographies and information on titles already published abroad.
A complete list of authors and titles represented by ITHL can be
found in our two pocket directories.

Negotiations and contracts for titles represented by ITHL
must be conducted through the Institute or its authorized
representatives abroad. In certain cases, ITHL acts only as agent,
in others it holds translation rights. For titles not yet translated
into the required language, publishers may select their own translator,
subject to approval by ITHL. It is of primary concern to us to maintain
a high standard of translation; where possible, we help assess new translators.

Financial aid may be given to a publisher who undertakes independent
translation of a book. It may also be granted to literary journals
which devote a special issue to modern Hebrew literature, and to publishers
who wish to publish anthologies. Aid is subject to approval by the board of
ITHL and the availability of funds.

This quality English-language literary journal is published once a year by ITHL
in cooperation with the Toby Press. Its purpose is to help the foreign reader keep 
abreast of Israel's busy literary scene. Each issue includes excerpts of new fiction, 
articles of general interest, interviews with authors, poetry, and reviews of new books 
in Hebrew. For subscriptions, contact the Toby Press at www.tobypress.com.

Our Bibliographic Center lists about 450 anthologies of Hebrew literature in 40 languages. 
In some cases, we initiate the project; in others, publishers approach us with a project
of their own. In all cases, ITHL offers translation, editorial and/or financial support. 
If required, we also assist in the selection of material.

Catalogues of new titles represented by ITHL are published on a yearly basis, one for
adult titles and one for y/a and children. In addition, our Pocket Directory of Israeli
Authors and Pocket Directory of Books for Children are updated and 
published every other year. The directories list all authors and titles represented by 
ITHL, and include biographical notes on each author.

Established 30 years ago, our one-of-a-kind database lists all translations of Hebrew
literature  into foreign languages, and is an invaluable resource for publishers and 
researchers. It includes:

• over 46,000 records of translated material in 66 languages.


• a separate entry for each literary work, as well as


• separate entries for each short story, poem, etc.


• author & title indexes in Hebrew and English


• references to articles and reviews on recent Hebrew publications

ITHL represents Israeli authors at major international book fairs and meets 
with publishers  from around the world. We also prepare book displays, 
catalogues and information for smaller book fairs. Israeli Embassies and Cultural 
Centers often use our material for their "Books from Israel" presentations. Displays are
specially designed for each event.

These are organized to promote general interest in Hebrew literature and to
foster the highest standards of translation. They enable translators to compare
experiences, meet the authors they are translating and discuss a variety of topics.

ITHL coordinates promotion trips around the world for Israeli authors. It also hosts 
special literary events in Israel for foreign publishers, authors and journalists to get 
to know their Israeli counterparts.

Established in 1994 with the aim of encouraging excellence in the translation of 
Hebrew literature. Two annual prizes are awarded, each for specific languages, 
selected each year. Translations are judged by a panel of experts in the 
relevant language. 

ITHL has initiated a number of projects aimed at promoting interest in countries
which have had little access to modern Hebrew literature. Recent projects have 
focused on translation into Arabic, Russian and other CIS languages, Chinese, 
Indian languages and Japanese. ITHL has also cooperated on a special 
catalogue of Hebrew literature in Chinese, and published individual 
bibliographies of the work of Nobel Prize  winner, S.Y.Agnon, and 
renowned poet Yehuda Amichai.

ITHL is happy to assist foreign publishers and journalists as well as the 
public with general  information, short biographies of authors and 
photographs.

Our unique library, situated near Tel Aviv, has a large collection of Hebrew
books in translation  as well as archival material.