The fifth annual Hebrew Language Olympiad, run by the Department of Hebrew Language at Tel Aviv University, begins its next global cycle on Dec. 1 with a special online qualifying round for Hebrew learners abroad, in partnership with Brandeis University in the United States.
“The Olympiad invites pupils aged 12–18 to discover Hebrew through original linguistic challenges they rarely encounter in the regular school system—from puzzles on ancient Semitic languages and code-breaking to word meanings and idioms,” Tel Aviv University said in a statement.
Organizers said participation reached a record high in the past year, with 5,668 students from Israel and around the world taking part. The competition now includes two main participation circles: one in Israel—bringing together Jewish (secular, religious and ultra-Orthodox), Arab, Bedouin and Druze students—and a second international Jewish circle aimed at strengthening ties between Israel and the Diaspora.
In the most recent overseas track for Hebrew learners, 961 students participated, including 690 Arabic-speaking students from Israel and 281 students from abroad. International contestants came from the United States, Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, Sweden, Russia, Cyprus, Switzerland, England and Egypt.
“Curiosity and knowledge about the unique structure of the Hebrew language strengthen the learning process and motivate students to function in it as a second language,” said Prof. Vardit Ringvald of the Consortium for Hebrew Teaching at Brandeis University.
Among last year’s international winners was Mahmoud, a Hebrew learner from Egypt, who said languages serve as bridges between people. “Hebrew, like any language, is a way to bring human beings closer together,” he said. “Genuine communication is the basis of lasting peace.”
In Israel, first place with outstanding distinction went to Maayan Bar-Helmer, an 11th-grade student who achieved a perfect score for the first time in the Olympiad’s history.
“The young people who achieve such impressive results are a ray of light and a source of hope for the future,” said Dr. Einat Gonen of the Department of Hebrew Language and Semitic Linguistics at Tel Aviv University. “Their love for the Hebrew language and the knowledge they demonstrate are reflected in their success.”
While the Olympiad cycle opens on Dec. 1, 2025, with its international online qualifying round, it will be followed by additional competition stages in early 2026.
Founded in 2021, the Hebrew Language Olympiad is held in cooperation with the Academy of the Hebrew Language, Israel’s Ministry of Education and the Consortium for Hebrew Teaching at Brandeis University. It is sponsored by Check Point and Final, with support from the Koret Center for Jewish Civilization.
