MAKOM LESHIRA (A PLACE FOR POETRY)

About

Makom Leshira (A Place for Poetry) promotes poetry and literature in Israel, with a special focus on Jerusalem, through artistic and literary initiatives, educational programs, publishing, and public cultural events. It serves as an Israeli and international home for poetry and the literary arts.

History

Makom Leshira was founded on May 14, 2002, at the Lev Ha'Ir Community Center in Jerusalem by Dr. Gilad Meiri, who at the time served as the center’s Cultural and Community Television Coordinator. He brought together Jerusalem poets Gil Elroy, Shay Dotan, Ariel Zinder, and Lior Sternberg to establish a new literary initiative. The group called itself Ktovet (“Address”).

Ktovet set out to advance poetry in Israel, particularly in Jerusalem, as part of strengthening the city's cultural standing. The name Makom Leshira (“A Place for Poetry”) expressed the absence of a dedicated home for poetry in Jerusalem at the time.

For many years, the group operated entirely on a voluntary basis. Its members jointly curated, produced, hosted, and managed Makom Leshira’s events, often handling all aspects of production and hospitality.

In 2003, poet Dorit Weisman joined the group, while Gil Elroy stepped down. Yair Eldan and Yuval Yavne also joined for several years before leaving.

In 2007, Noa Shkarji joined Makom Leshira as a National Service volunteer. At that time, the organization employed only one part-time staff member, Gilad Meiri.

In 2008, Makom Leshira launched Meter by Meter – The Jerusalem Poetry Festival. In 2009, it published the first issue of its literary journal Ktovet. Eight issues were published through 2011. The Ktovet collective disbanded in 2013.

In 2010, Makom Leshira relocated to the Naggar School of Photography, Media, New Music, Animation and Phototherapy in Musrara. In 2011, it moved to the Ginot Ha'Ir Community Center on Emek Refaim Street.

Between 2015 and 2018, Makom Leshira operated from Emek Refaim Street 43. Since 2018, it has been based at 9 HaMa'aravim Street in Jerusalem.

Programs, Publications & Cultural Initiatives

The School of the Literary Arts

The School of the Literary Arts is a higher-level institution dedicated to literary creation and long-term artistic development. It offers an alternative to short-term workshops and academic study for writers seeking sustained creative work.

Students study eight courses per week over two years. The curriculum is unique in Israel and includes poetry, prose, playwriting, songwriting, translation, and additional literary disciplines.

Admission is based on a portfolio submission and personal interview.

Manuscript Development and Editorial Mentorship Program

Now in its fourth year, the Manuscript Development and Editorial Mentorship Program provides writers with professional guidance in developing book-length manuscripts.

The 2026–2027 program is currently open for applications. The program is offered free of charge in partnership with the Mandel Foundation.

Writing Workshops

Makom Leshira offers a range of writing workshops for the general public, including an annual poetry workshop led by Anat Zecharia, a workshop for pregnant women led by Or Berger, and “With a Stick and a Ruler” short thematic workshops.

Makom Leshira Press

Makom Leshira Press publishes contemporary Hebrew poetry by established and emerging poets, with a focus on writers connected to the School of the Literary Arts.

Editorial Board: Amichai Chasson, Dr. Gilad Meiri, Idan Brir, Atara Ben Hanan. Publishing Coordinator: Aviv Peter.

Nanopoetica – Journal of Short Literature

A quarterly journal dedicated primarily to poetry, also publishing short prose and occasional nano-essays. Issues alternate between themed and open editions, with the final issue of each year dedicated to a specific language or national literature.

Founded in 2013.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief: Gilad Meiri. Editorial Board: Sapir Yunis, Netzer Lau. Additional Founders: Noa Shkarji, Alex Ben-Ari.

Mala – Journal of Literary Criticism

Mala takes its name from the Hebrew word meaning “to elevate.” The journal seeks to elevate literary discourse, explore the highest aims of literary criticism, and establish standards for evaluating literary works.

A quarterly journal published in March, June, September, and December, available online and in print.

Founded in 2021.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief: Noa Shkarji. Editorial Board: Atara Ben Hanan, Aviv Peter. Editorial Board Member (Issues 1–20): Gilad Meiri.

Meter by Meter – The Jerusalem Poetry Festival

A three-day annual poetry festival held every July since 2008. The festival presents poets whose books were published in the preceding year.

The Haim Gouri Prize for Hebrew Poetry

The prize honors the legacy of poet Haim Gouri and encourages innovation and excellence in Hebrew poetry. It carries a prize of 30,000 NIS and is awarded annually at the opening of the Meter by Meter Festival.

Eligible recipients must have published at least two original poetry books, one of them within the five years preceding the award year, and must be residents of Israel.

The prize has been awarded annually since 2021.

Literary Events and Exhibitions

Makom Leshira hosts literary events throughout the year, including book launches, readings, lectures, tributes, and exhibitions.

Artistic Director: Netzer Lau.

Makom Leshira Haifa

Founded in November 2019 and located at 5 Sirkin Street in Talpiot Market, Haifa. The center hosts literary events and writing workshops.

Founder and Director: Rotem Atar. Producer: Hagar Tzemachoni.

Treasury of Hebrew Poetry

An online thematic search engine for Hebrew poetry, established in 2018. The project organizes poems by themes and sub-themes, offering tools for educational, research, and creative use.

Editor: Idan Brir.

Library

Makom Leshira maintains a library serving the School of the Literary Arts community.

Community Literary Television Program

A monthly 30-minute program broadcast on Channel 98 since 2013. Over 120 episodes have been produced and are available online.

Founder and Editor: Dorit Weisman.

International Poetry Festival

Launched in April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 lockdown, the festival has since been held annually on World Poetry Day (March 21) as an online event.

Staff Team

Dr. Gilad Meiri (Director), Shlomit Glikman (Office Manager and Student Coordinator), Rotem Atar (Director, Haifa Branch), Aviv Peter (Publishing Coordinator), Netzer Lau (Artistic Producer), Hagar Tzemachoni (Producer, Haifa Branch), Alon Rosen (School Community Coordinator), Idan Brir (Artistic Director and Publishing Director), Or Berger (Head of Faculty and Student Affairs).

Board and Association Members

Moshe Dvir (Chairperson), Prof. Gadi Glazer (Board Member), Meli Feder (Board Member), Oren Ben Yosef (Audit Committee), Malka Dror (Audit Committee), Haim Goldgraber, Dr. Gilad Meiri, Rotem Atar, Alon Eran, Moran Shuv, Dr. Noa Shkarji, Igor Shweiger, Dafna Lotan-Mishkin, Ilanit (“Lali”) Tchetchkes, Dana Sukholotsky.

Founders

Gil Elroy, Shay Dotan, Ariel Zinder, Dr. Gilad Meiri, Lior Sternberg.

Noa Shkarji worked at Makom Leshira between 2007 and 2026. She served as Co-Director and co-founded several major initiatives, including the School of the Literary Arts, Meter by Meter – The Jerusalem Poetry Festival, Nanopoetica, and others.

Support

Makom Leshira is supported by the Culture Department of the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Culture and Sport of Israel.