Israeli folk dancing, one of the most enduring and endearing expressions of the Jewish state’s unique culture, remains highly popular to this day. Unfortunately, the COVID epidemic has generally made it difficult or impossible, as well as ill-advised, for enthusiasts to get together to engage in their beloved pastime. With determination and creativity, however, many have found ways to keep their passion alive even under these circumstances. Note: The articles linked below appeared before the advent of the Omicron variant.
Quote: “Some 200,000 Israelis across the nation are estimated to attend regular Israeli folk dance, including public and private sessions called harkadot, on beachfronts, sports facilities and more.” | “The 54-year-old Gadi Bitton, one of the leading authorities on Israeli folk dancing, in a typical year leads three huge festivals and gathers some 2,000 ‘harkaholics’ three times a week for sessions in Tel Aviv and Kfar Saba. Hundreds of other instructors hold their own daily harkadot countrywide. The sessions are popular as well in the United States and other countries.”
Sources: Wikipedia (introduction), The Times of Israel (quotations)
Learn more about Israeli folk dancing from Wikipedia. ►
Read “Israeli folk dancing: a celebration of cultural diversity” ►
Read “COVID-19 can’t stop one of Israel’s national passions: Folk dance” ►
Watch “Israeli Dance” [2:13]. ►
Photo: YouTube
