Moshiko Yitzhak Halevy was presented with the Union of Israeli Artists Prize at an event held at the Petah Tikva Cultural Hall (Heichal HaTarbut), on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in the presence of Mayor Rami Greenberg and other dignitaries.

The event, hosted by Yankele Mandel, in sync with the spirit of the times (post October 7), was held to mark the artists’ commitment to the return of the hostages, in support of the evacuees, and as a salute to the security and rescue forces.

The prize is awarded annually to artists who have influenced and left their mark on Israeli culture. There is no doubt that our Moshiko Yitzhak Halevy has influenced and continues to influence the field in which we are engaged.

A little about Moshiko:

Moshiko Yitzhak Halevy – Dancer, Writer, Choreographer, and Composer.

Moshiko was born to parents of Yemenite heritage. At the age of seventeen, he discovered dance! It became the joy of his life.

He studied at Mia Arbatova‘s dance school. During his military service, he was one of the founders of the IDF’s [Israel Defense Forces] first dance company.

A few years after his military service, he joined the Yemenite dance company, “Inbal“, and was instrumental in its success around the world.

At that time, he choreographed his most famous dance: “Debka Uriah“.

After leaving “Inbal” he founded the dance troupe, “HaPa’amonim“.

In 1971, Sara Levi-Tanai invited him to return to Inbal, this time as manager of the company.

In 1973, following his tour with Inbal, he decided to stay in the United States. He remained there until 1990. During that period, he successfully choreographed dances for dance troupes.

Beginning in 2008, Halevy opened his own dance session at Beit Dani in Tel Aviv, where his dances, among others are taught. Moshiko Halevy is considered one of the most influential dance artists for Israeli folk dance and for the stage. His groundbreaking works have paved the way for his successors.

To date, he has choreographed close to three hundred dances and composed close to two hundred melodies that have had worldwide impact.