Berlin's Altneuland Press Challenges Israel's Hebrew Literary Monopoly
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- Altneuland was founded in 2024 by Dory Manor and Moshe Sakal, who are both Israeli.
- The press is the first non-religious Hebrew publishing house established outside Israel since its founding in 1948.
- Manor criticized the current Israeli government, stating, 'This government is, for me, an enemy of Israel and not Israel itself.'
In a bold move to diversify the landscape of Hebrew literature, Dory Manor and Moshe Sakal have established Altneuland, a Hebrew press based in Berlin. Launched in 2024, the press seeks to challenge Israel's longstanding dominance in the realm of Hebrew and Jewish literature.
Both founders, who have spent years living in Berlin and Paris, emphasize that their press is neither Israeli nor European, but rather a global platform for Hebrew works.
Altneuland's mission is to provide a space for Hebrew literature that operates independently of Israeli cultural institutions, such as the Ministry of Culture, which traditionally supports the publishing industry through various prizes and funding. This independence allows the founders to explore a broader spectrum of voices and narratives within Hebrew literature.
Editor-in-chief Dory Manor asserts that Hebrew is not merely a national language but a global one. He points out that even before the establishment of the State of Israel, modern Hebrew functioned as an international language, primarily in Europe.
This perspective underpins Altneuland's approach to publishing, which includes works by Jewish authors writing in languages such as German, French, Russian, and Yiddish. The press's expansion beyond Hebrew literature reflects its commitment to showcasing a diverse array of Jewish voices.
By doing so, Altneuland aims to foster a more inclusive literary community that transcends national boundaries. The founders, who are partners in both life and publishing, are driven by a shared vision of Hebrew literature as a global cultural asset. Their efforts challenge the traditional view that Israel is the sole custodian of Hebrew literary heritage.
As Altneuland continues to grow, it represents a significant shift in the perception and dissemination of Hebrew literature. By positioning itself as a global platform, the press not only broadens the reach of Hebrew works but also encourages a reevaluation of cultural ownership and identity within the literary world.
- The establishment of Altneuland allows Hebrew literature to flourish outside the confines of Israeli state influence, providing a platform for diverse voices that may be critical of the current government.
- This shift could impact Israeli readers who seek literature that reflects a broader range of experiences and perspectives, potentially leading to a more nuanced understanding of Hebrew culture.
- Meanwhile, the Israeli government may lose some control over the narrative surrounding Hebrew literature, as independent presses like Altneuland gain prominence and challenge state-sponsored narratives.
- The response from the Israeli Ministry of Culture regarding the emergence of Altneuland and its implications for state funding of literature by May 2026.
- The first publications released by Altneuland and their reception within both Israeli and international literary communities by the end of 2026.
- Any potential collaborations between Altneuland and Israeli authors or literary figures that may emerge in the coming months.
Left- and right-leaning outlets are covering this story differently — in which facts to emphasize, which context to include, and how to frame causes and consequences.