The Olamot Convention for Science Fiction and Fantasy is an annual event which takes place annually on Chol Hamoed Passover since 2005. It is a gathering of the Israeli science fiction and fantasy community that includes events for fans of all ages, and is highly anticipated every year.
The convention consists of multiple fascinating events, including lectures, panel discussions, contests, professional workshops and even stage shows. It provides the different fandoms with a venue to celebrate their mutual passion for their favourite books, movies, TV shows, etc., while welcoming all newcomers to the thriving community.
Olamot is produced by non-profit organizations that work year-round to promote communities and creators of science fiction and fantasy, and strive to make these genres more accessible to the audience. We also take pride in providing a stage to independent Israeli authors, playwrights, filmmakers, and other artists creating within these genres.
Olamot Convention is the high point of a months-long endeavor, made possible thanks to the passion and hard work of hundreds of volunteers, from the convention director to every last staff member. Their only reward is the event itself, as all profits go back to the producing organizations and are used for to further the cause of science fiction and fantasy in Israel.
.Photos from former conventions can be found here
The Israeli Society for Science Fiction and Fantasy
Founded in 1996, its main goal is to promote science fiction and fantasy in Israel, and it has been continuously active ever since. So far its activities have included conventions, lectures on fantasy, science fiction and general science topics, premiere screenings of SF&F films, SF&F story-writing contests and much more. The society publishes an annual printed literary yearbook and an online magazine. The society is a non-profit organization, and all its activities are undertaken by volunteers.
The Israeli Tolkien Society
The Israeli Tolkien Society, formed in 1966, deals with the works of Prof. J.R.R. Tolkien. The literary society operates websites and databases dedicated to Tolkien and his creations, and are meant to make knowledge about his world accessible to the public. Other than the Olamot convention, the society organises the Mythopia convention each summer and the Rivendel conference every Hanukkah, as well as meetings, events, community trips, and lectures.
The purpose of the society is to encourage and spread the research and discussion of Tolkien and his works – The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and more. Beyond discussing these works, the society is also a community. All Tolkien fans are welcome to the Facebook group “Israeli Tolkien Fans” and to the community site www.tolkienil.com.
