Israeli fandom boasts a vibrant and diverse community. Our conventions are thoughtfully designed to embrace inclusivity, welcoming fans from all walks of geekdom and various fannish traditions.
The Israeli Society for Science Fiction and Fantasy and the Israeli Role Playing Society (Hebrew site), both active NGOs for the past two decades, play significant roles in hosting, sponsoring, and supporting most science fiction, fantasy, and role-playing activities in Israel.
Throughout the year, Israel hosts around a dozen conventions, with the highlight being ICon. This three-day extravaganza celebrates science fiction, fantasy, and anime, drawing an impressive crowd of approximately 10,000 visitors.
Israeli fandom is not just about conventions, though. It also encompasses awards and contests, including the prestigious Geffen Award for speculative fiction and the Einat Awards for short stories (Hebrew site). Additionally, an annual anthology called “Once Upon a Future” (Hebrew site) captures the essence of our fannish creativity, while fanzines like “Don’t Panic,” “Fantasya 2000,” and “Neiman” provide outlets for fans to express their passion.
Fandom organizations
The Israeli Society for Science Fiction and Fantasy, established in 1996, tirelessly promotes and expands the realms of SF&F within the country. Their activities include regular conventions, monthly book clubs, enlightening lectures, exclusive film screenings, and captivating story-writing contests, often featuring esteemed international guests.
Similarly, the Israeli Role-Playing Society, founded in 1998, dedicates itself to fostering the role-playing hobby. They organize conventions, collaborate with educational and media institutions, and now even operate the “Giborim” publishing house, bringing Hebrew versions of both local and translated role-playing games to enthusiasts.
Amai, the Israeli Manga and Anime Association. Originally a subsidiary of the Israeli Science Fiction and Fantasy Association, Amai became an independent organization in 2016. Their mission revolves around spreading Japanese anime, manga, and culture in Israel. Flagship conferences like Harukon and Kami, held at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, attract over 3,500 anime enthusiasts. Amai also arranges smaller events and collaborations throughout the year, fostering connections with bodies such as the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and the Embassy of Japan.
Main conventions
Main Israeli Cons:
ICon – Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Role Playing. 10K visitors, 3 days, since 1997
Olamot – Sci-Fi and Fantasy, 2 days, 5K visitors, since 2001
Harucon – 1 day, Anime, 5k visitors, since 2008
Anthology and Fanzines
Fanzines and Semi-Pro
Once upon a Future (Annual anthology),
Don’t panic, Fantasya 2000, Neiman…
Awards
The Geffen Awards for speculative fiction
Einat awards for short stories
Several Cosplay awards
Original Dramatic Presentation Grant
The Olamot Short story contest