It All Happens in Childhood: Nurit Zarchi in Conversation with Bilha Ben-Eliyahu

Guests: Suzanna Papian

Nurit Zarchi, recipient of the Israel Prize for Literature and Poetry in 2021, has garnered numerous literary awards throughout her career, including multiple Hans Christian Andersen Awards for children’s and youth literature, the Bialik Prize and the Yehuda Amichai Prize. Having penned over 100 children’s books, Zarchi is also one of the most significant Israeli poets. When awarding her the Devorah Omer Prize for Lifetime Achievement, the judges praised her work for its unique, bold, and humorous poeticism and uncompromising pursuit of inner truth. They also highlighted the nonconforming style of her children’s books. 

Interviewed by literary scholar Bilha Ben-Eliyahu, Zarchi will explore her writing for both children and adults, her deep connection with the Hebrew language, and her insights into contemporary childhood. Throughout the evening, actress Suzanna Papian (“The Monkey House,” “Sovietzka”) will bring to life selected excerpts from Zarchi’s writing.