For the third time, Prague will transform into a place where the energy of the Middle East meets that of Central Europe. The Israel on the River festival will take place this year on Sunday, May 25, at a new location — Štvanice Island, at the tip under the HolKa footbridge. Come discover Israel through its culture. The all-day program will offer something for both adults and the youngest visitors.

You can download the full program here.

MAIN STAGE

Enjoy the music program

11:15 – 11:45 Lauder School Choir

12:00 – 12:30 Lauder School Dance Group

13:00 – 14:00 Besamim: Workshop of traditional Israeli dance

Besamim was founded in 1995 and regularly organizes Israeli folk dance classes in Prague, as well as the international seminar MACHOL Czechia. Their popular performance will once again be part of this year’s festival. Don’t miss the chance to join the dance – learn a few basic steps, or pick up where you left off last time and dance as an advanced participant!

14:30 – 15:30 Krav Maga: Workshop of Israeli martial art

16:00 – 17:00 Concert: Israeli Prague Allstars (Czech Republic/Israel)

17:30 – 18:30 Concert: DUO Flora (Israel)

Michal Greenglick and Youav Ben David specialize in acoustic covers in Hebrew and English. “Our dear brother Shauli Greenglick, may his memory be a blessing, volunteered for the war in Gaza and fell in the battles in December 2023. His last performance was on the Israeli TV show Rising Star. His memory inspires us to continue and spread love, joy, and hope through music.”

19:30 – 20:30 Concert: Quarter to Africa (Israel)

The headliner of the program is one of the most original bands on the contemporary Israeli scene, Quarter to Africa. Led by saxophonist and producer Yakir Sasson, the band has made audiences dance all over the world and now returns to the stage after a break, performing especially for Israel on the Vltava.

20:30 – 22:00 DJ Set

 
TENT STAGE

Listen, learn, discuss

11:00 – 12:00 Sar-El na Vltavě: Discussion with Sar-El participants

The non-profit organization Sar-El allows volunteers from around the world to help directly on Israeli military bases, offering a unique perspective on the country. Join a discussion panel with David Peres – the program’s representative for Czechia and Slovakia – and his guests. Learn everything about the program and hear one-of-a-kind stories and experiences from Israeli military bases.

12:30 – 13:30 Kolnoa Presents... This time from Sapir College

In cooperation with the Israeli film festival Kolnoa, short student films from Israel’s Sapir College will be screened. The college is located near the Gaza border, and the works of these young filmmakers often reflect life in the shadow of conflict.

14:00 – 15:00 35 degrees east longitude: With photos by Karel Cudlín

A talk with Czech documentary photography legend Karel Cudlín and curator Míša Sidenberg. Together, they will explore the changes in the Israeli landscape and society over the last 30 years — from the Golan Heights to the Sinai. This photo documentary, set against the backdrop of everyday life in present-day communities, offers a different perspective on Israel than what we usually see in the media.

15:30 – 16:30 Hebrew between Heaven and Earth: A workshop not only for beginners

A workshop for anyone interested in discovering the secrets of this language and its script. Explore the roots of Hebrew words and their spiritual connections. Prepare for a linguistic meditation and an adventure full of unexpected links — Hebrew is more than a language. It’s a way of seeing the world.

17:00 – 18:00 Benci- Israeli Grafity Artist in times of Darkness

Israeli street artist Benzi Brofman presents his emotionally charged portraits that combine art, civic activism, and a call for humanity. Following the events of October 7, 2023, he created a series of murals honoring victims and hostages, using his work to call for dialogue, empathy, and solidarity across cultures.

18:30 – 19:30 Jakub Szántó: Between the Millstones

Award-winning author and seasoned foreign correspondent Jakub Szántó, who spent five years in Israel as Czech Television’s Middle East correspondent, presents his latest book Gaza: Between Millstones. Together with journalist Ondřej Kundra (RESPEKT), they will discuss the current situation in Israel, the everyday impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the changes in the region since the events of October 7, 2023. Hear personal testimonies, field insights, and broader context for one of today’s most volatile regions.

20:00 – 21:30 Backgammon - Vrhcáby - Shesh Besh: Tournament

CHILDREN’S STAGE

Israeli culture for the little ones

Between the main programs, additional children’s activities will take place on the children’s stage.

12:45 – 13:45 Jewish Museum workshop for children: Jerusalem

The workshop will introduce young visitors to the unique city of Jerusalem, its history, and culture. Children will create models of the Jerusalem Temple, the Ark of the Covenant, and a menorah. The program also includes themed quizzes, crosswords, and singing the well-known song Yerushalayim Shel Zahav.

15:00 – 16:00 Hebrew for children

In this workshop, children aged 6–10 will learn basic Hebrew vocabulary, play language games, and get to know the Hebrew alphabet in a fun and engaging way.

16:30 – 17:30 Jewish Museum workshop for children: Jerusalem II

18:30 – 20:00 Graffiti Workshop

 
Eat, shop, relax

The festival will feature Israeli cuisine, stalls with Israeli products, a picnic zone, games like matkot or backgammon, and much more. Come enjoy a relaxing day with your family, friends — or even your four-legged companions!

Free entry