2007: The Vision That Became Reality
Our story begins in 2007, when a small group of volunteers—active editors in the Hebrew Wikipedia—decided to establish the Wikimedia Israel non-profit. Through its establishment, they aimed to expand and support the Hebrew Wikipedia community and pave the way for free and accessible knowledge for all Hebrew speakers in Israel and beyond.
In its early years, Wikimedia IL focused on creative initiatives in Hebrew, with the goal of making free knowledge more accessible to the general public. Gradually, we grew, spread our wings, and began working in Arabic and with other diverse audiences. Through education, training, and raising public awareness, we fulfilled our mission by engaging new and evolving communities.
2011: Wikimania Conference in Israel
In 2011, we fulfilled a dream and hosted the annual Wikimania Conference in Haifa—the largest international event in our history up to that point. 720 participants from 56 countries filled the city and took part in lectures, workshops, and social events. Attendees got a close look at Israeli culture and community, and we earned our spot on the global map, advancing the cause of free knowledge.
2012: A Knowledge Revolution – Historic Legislative Change
Our mission to promote free knowledge evolved into a determined campaign, culminating in 2012 in a historic legislative achievement. After three years of tireless effort, the government granted public access to images taken by government offices—an unprecedented move that allowed the public to use this content for educational purposes and knowledge enrichment.
2014: Recognition – The “Roaring Lion” Award
Along the way, our hard work did not go unnoticed. In 2014, we received the prestigious “Roaring Lion” Award from the Israeli Public Relations Association, in recognition of our project celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Hebrew Wikipedia—highlighting our significant contribution to society.
2017: Learning and Teaching – At Any Age and in Any Situation
We expanded into the fields of education and training, launching unique programs in schools, universities, and open courses for the public. In 2017, we launched a special course for seniors, enabling people with rich life experience to become active Wikipedia editors. With the outbreak of COVID-19, we quickly adapted our work to an online format and continued supporting the community remotely.
2018: Cultural Partnerships – GLAM-Wiki Global Conference
In 2018, we hosted the Global GLAM-Wiki Conference in Tel Aviv, which brought together representatives from 43 countries and strengthened collaborations between Wikipedians and archives, libraries, and museums around the world. The conference was a major opportunity to expand our activities and foster international connections.
2019: Knowledge for All – Arabic Language Initiatives
In 2019, we opened a new chapter with the creation of “Wiki Warsha”, an Arabic-language training platform that teaches Arabic speakers how to edit Wikipedia. Since then, we have developed Arabic-language programs in schools and academia, contributing to the expansion and accessibility of local and global knowledge in Arabic.
2023–2024: Celebrating 20 Years of Hebrew Wikipedia in the Age of AI and Fake News
Between 2023 and 2024, we celebrated 20 years of Hebrew Wikipedia with a series of exciting events. A special collaboration with Reichman University led to a conference on “Fake News,” where top experts, academics, and journalists discussed how to detect misinformation and strengthen public trust in quality, reliable information. The event was a significant milestone in our continued efforts to ensure accessible and trustworthy knowledge for all.
2024: Promoting Intercultural Dialogue
Wikimedia Israel is leading a groundbreaking initiative: Jews and Arabs writing Wikipedia entries together. This unique project promotes dialogue and understanding through collaboration, using a neutral platform for creating shared knowledge.
Our story is a journey of inspiration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to a more equal and educated society. We will continue to act with passion and creativity to ensure that free and reliable knowledge continues to grow and be accessible to all.
