FJC’s Knizhniki publishing house exhibit was one of the highlights at the International Book Fair in Jerusalem recently, attracting a wide and enthusiastic audience.

Knizhniki, which publishes Jewish literature of many types and styles in Russian, also hosted gallery talks and book presentations, two in Jerusalem and two in Tel Aviv.

“This is our fifth time participating in the bi-annual fair, and this year our presence was more felt than ever – we’ve prepared an interesting program and brought a wide selection of material, from popular children’s and youth literature to unique first-time releases and in-depth Jewish texts,” said Mr. Boruch Gorin, Knizhniki’s chief editor. “Among those visiting the fair about two-thirds were Russian speakers, who were keenly interested in our books, therefore we really had a wide exposure.”

The publishing house also conducted a series of negotiations with local Israeli publishers and signed contracts for future book releases, which Knizhniki translates and adapts to its audience.

Interest in Jewish literature among Russian-speakers has been steadily on the rise, accompanying the reviving interest in Jewish culture and tradition overall throughout the FSU.

Knizhniki was established 10 years ago, in 2007, when it merged with previously-existing Lechaim, the publisher of popular Jewish intellectual magazine of the same name.