Israeli Poet and Writer Iris Calif Receives the Grand Award for International Cultural Excellence
In Recognition of Her Entire Body of Unique Poetic Work
From Naples to the World – A Dreamlike and Magnificent Gala Evening at the Historic Gaetano Filangieri Museum, Where She Shared a Universal Message of Love and Peace with the World
At the historic Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri in Naples, Italy, the 27th edition of The Grand Award to Excellence – Tra le parole e l’infinito was held on October 31, 2026. Among the recipients of the Grand Award for International Cultural Excellence was Israeli poet and writer Iris Calif of Shoham, who was honored for her distinctive body of poetic work and her contribution to world culture. The event, founded by Knight Nicola Paone, brought together writers, artists, musicians, and cultural figures from different countries in a celebration of excellence, creativity, and human connection.
An Unforgettable Evening in the Heart of Naples – A Magnificent Celebration of Culture, Excellence, and Inspiration
On October 31, 2026, the Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri in Naples was adorned in festive splendor. Amid its art treasures, historic halls, and majestic atmosphere, an international gala evening took place, bringing together literature, music, art, and social engagement.
The event, The Grand Award to Excellence – Tra le parole e l’infinito, marked the 27th edition of the cultural initiative founded and directed by Knight Nicola Paone (Cav. Nicola Paone).
The ceremony united distinguished figures from the fields of literature, culture, journalism, art, and the liberal professions. Live music, personal recognition of the award recipients, and the international stature of the occasion gave the evening a festive and moving character.
The evening was hosted by journalist and presenter Ertilia Giordano, while the guest of honor was Mena Cirillo, a journalist and sociologist who is also active in the field of consulting.
Iris Calif: International Recognition for a Unique Poetic Creation
One of the evening's memorable moments was the presentation of the Grand Award for International Cultural Excellence — Gran Premio al Merito Culturale Internazionale — to Israeli poet and writer Iris Calif, a resident of Shoham.
According to the award's founder, Nicola Paone, Calif is the first Israeli woman writer in the history of the initiative to receive this recognition, and the only recipient from Israel in this category. The award was presented to her in appreciation of her entire body of unique poetic work, its spiritual and artistic depth, and her literary contribution to the enrichment of world culture.
Her poem, “The Human Divine Flower,” was published in the official book of the event, alongside works by other international writers.
Iris Calif is an internationally award-winning and honored poet and writer, literary editor, translator of international poetry, journalist, and dancer.
As a descendant of a lineage of Kabbalists, her spiritual heritage is reflected in the mystical and Kabbalistic dimensions of her poetry, which explores holiness, higher realms, the unseen, and the connection between the human soul, faith, and the Creator.
Calif's work is rich in imagery and symbolism, bringing together the human and the divine, the earthly and the celestial. Her artistic path is deeply rooted in the spiritual heritage of the Jewish voice, combining spirituality, art, and culture within a humanistic worldview.
Her poetry springs from a personal spiritual journey in which the soul, nature, and the divine come together through poetic expression. At the heart of her creative work lies her desire to illuminate the Jewish voice through love, life, and faith in the Creator, while expressing universal values of humanity, mutual respect, harmony, and peace.
Her poetry seeks to touch the human soul, connect souls, and express hope for a more humane world illuminated by love. Through poetic language, she strives to build bridges among peoples, cultures, and languages.
A Moment of Israeli Pride on the Stage in Naples
Upon receiving the award, Calif expressed her gratitude for being selected and for the privilege of representing Israel at this international occasion. In her remarks, she shared with those present her dream of universal peace, founded on love, humanity, mutual respect, and harmony, and her belief that all human beings are equal and are all children of God.
Calif expressed deep appreciation to the award's founder, Knight Nicola Paone, for his cultural vision, his efforts to connect creators and peoples, and his decision to bestow upon her the prestigious award and honor her literary work.
She congratulated the award recipients from around the world, the artists, and the musicians, and thanked the event organizers for their efforts, dedication, and contribution to the evening's success.
For Calif, participating in the ceremony was not only a personal literary achievement but also an opportunity to bring to the international stage an Israeli poetic voice carrying a message of love and infinite light, humanity, equality, and peace.
An International Journey of Awards, Titles, and Honors
The award received in Naples joins a series of literary achievements and international honors bestowed upon Iris Calif over the years.
In 2023, she was named Best International Poet by the International Poetry Translation and Research Centre (IPTRC–CHINH) in China.
In 2024, she received the Special Prize for Excellence – City of Galateo – Antonio De Ferraris in Italy, for her poem “Angel of Life.”
In 2025, Iris Calif’s poem “The Desert Bride” received an Honorable Mention from the International Jury at the Friedrich Schiller International Literary Competition in Germany, in recognition of its distinctive literary style and emotional depth. Calif was the award recipient from Israel in a competition featuring writers from more than 40 countries.
In 2026, she also received the international literary award “The Greatest Poets of the World” (Greece–Mexico).
Calif holds an honorary doctorate conferred by the International Forum for Creativity, Humanity, and Coexistence in the Kingdom of Morocco.
In 2024, she was selected as one of the 20 leading international journalists by Legacy Crown's – Crown of Heritage (Asia).
She has also received certificates of recognition from the Professional Writers' Union of Russia and the international magazine Arina NN, honoring her contribution to world culture, the international poetry community, and friendship among nations.
In recognition of her literary achievements and international contributions, she joined the international literary association Creative Tribune – Germany (ILACT) and was appointed Ambassador and Representative of ILACT in Israel.
In 2026, Iris Calif was appointed President of the National Committee of NAC Israel, within the framework of The Noble Laureate Award 2026. This is an independent award that is not affiliated with the Nobel Prize or any Nobel Prize institutions. She is the first Israeli woman poet to receive this recognition, and her appointment reflects appreciation for her literary talent and her contribution to advancing literature, culture, and international literary relations.
These achievements reflect her continuing presence in the international literary sphere and the connections she has established with poets, writers, editors, and cultural institutions from various countries.
Three Books, Ten Languages, and a Rich Poetic World
Her books published to date are “On an Enchanted Path, Lolita Breathes” (2001), “A Pure Wild Moon” (2017), and “Daughter of God” (2020). She is currently working on writing her fourth and fifth books.
Her books and poems express a creative realm rich in love, dreams, life, faith, contemplation of the mysteries of the universe, mystical symbolism, a merging with nature and creation, and a profound connection between humanity and divinity.
Her work has been translated into ten languages: Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Nepali, Assamese, and Albanian.
Many of her poems have been published in Israeli and international anthologies, literary journals, and printed newspapers in Israel and around the world, and have also been presented on television, radio, in exhibitions, and on literary platforms both in Israel and internationally.
Among the exhibitions featuring her poems and translations was “Butterflies of Peace,” presented in June 2024 at the Air Force House Gallery in Herzliya, Israel.
International articles, studies, and literary reviews have been written about her poetry, examining its artistic characteristics, poetic symbolism, and spiritual world.
She has also been interviewed in Israel and around the world, with interviews published in newspapers, online magazines, and international media platforms, focusing on her literary work, poetic world, and cultural activities.
Literary Activity, Editing, and Cultural Diplomacy
Calif is a member of the Hebrew Writers Association in Israel and ACUM, and works to promote Israeli poetry and literature in the international arena.
She serves as a poetry editor and translator for “Bekivun Haruach” (“In the Direction of the Spirit”), a magazine of literature, culture, and art, where she is responsible for international relations and the editing of international poetry anthologies.
She also edits and translates world poetry for MOKASINI and for the “World Poetry” section of the literary website “Hadarim” (“Rooms”).
Calif serves as Head of the Israeli Liaison Department of CHINH Magazine of Arts and Literature (Hong Kong–China), is a member of the global SAPS association for artists and writers, and serves on the editorial board of the English edition of World Poetry Yearbook.
Alongside her own writing, she translates the poetry of international writers into Hebrew, thereby helping introduce Israeli readers to literary voices from different cultures.
Her activities combine personal creative work with public and cultural engagement, editing, and translation, reflecting her belief that literature and poetry are not confined by geographical or linguistic borders.
Through the spirit of the written word, she seeks to create a shared human dialogue founded on mutual respect, equality, love, harmony, and peace.
Knight Nicola Paone – A Cultural Vision Transcending Borders That Became an International Legacy
Knight Nicola Paone (Cav. Nicola Paone), the founder of the event and the visionary behind its cultural mission, was born in Casoria, in the province of Naples, in 1955. He is a cultural figure, entrepreneur, painter, and founder of the international award series Tra le parole e l’infinito.
Following his studies in art and his specialization in advertising, leadership, and communication, Paone devoted his life to promoting literature, culture, and humanistic values.
In 2000, he founded the literary award Tra le parole e l’infinito, an initiative intended to honor fiction and poetry.
In 2003, the award expanded into an international framework, becoming a significant platform for recognizing creators and cultural figures from around the world.
Over the years, the initiative developed, adding categories dedicated to lifetime literary achievement, cultural excellence, professional accomplishments, and civic and social contributions.
In 2006, a category recognizing literary careers was introduced. It later evolved into the Ad Haustum Doctrinarum award, dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge, culture, and justice.
In 2010, Paone founded Labore Civitatis, a lifetime achievement distinction awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their dedication, responsibility, work, and sacrifice for society and the community.
Since 2020, the initiative has borne the name The Grand Award to Excellence – Tra le parole e l’infinito, becoming an international framework for recognizing excellence in culture, art, and literature.
In 2022, the Gran Premio al Merito Culturale Internazionale category was added, followed in 2025 by the Gold Star Award for Excellence, expanding the range of fields of recognition and distinction within the event.
For his cultural and international activities, Paone has received dozens of decorations and honorary titles, including silver and gold medals from the President of the Italian Republic, the title of Honorary Ambassador of Culture in Europe, knighthoods, and an appointment to the title of Accademico di Merito by the Norman Academy in Rome.
The 27th edition of the event, held in Naples in October 2026, reflected his ongoing work and commitment to recognizing creators and individuals who contribute to culture and society.
Over the years, the initiative has developed into an international framework bringing together creators and accomplished individuals from around the world, providing a platform for talent, creativity, and human contribution.
At the heart of Nicola Paone's vision lies the belief that culture is a bridge between human beings, languages, peoples, and traditions.
His philosophy seeks to establish culture as a unifying force capable of strengthening connections between peoples, inspiring future generations, and offering hope for a better and more harmonious world.
Recognizing talent, creativity, and human contribution is not merely an acknowledgment of achievements, but also an expression of a profound commitment to humanistic values, social responsibility, and a cultural legacy that transcends borders.
An International Stage for Creators and Award Recipients from Around the World
Alongside Calif, the recipients of the Gran Premio al Merito Culturale Internazionale included creators and distinguished individuals from various countries, among them Angela Mihai, Laskiaf Ammotragus, Gisela Josefina López, Valentina Iannaco, Aurora Soranzo, Giuseppina Turiano, Marinella Manca, Basilio Fiorentino, and Alessandro Scolaro.
Within the Gold Star Award for Excellence category, recognition was bestowed upon creators and distinguished individuals including Monica Pelliccione, Pietro Catalano, Filomena Domini, Gabriella Picerno, Agata Di Rubba, Margherita Saporito, Angela Alessandra Milella, Sabrina Morelli, Daniela Forcos, Tudosia Lazar, Angela Mândâcanu, Maria Concetta Borgese, and Nicoletta Russo.
In the category honoring literary careers, the recipients included Doina Guriță, Paolo Albano, Duilio Papi, Giovanna Santangelo, Stefania Guiotto, Maria Grazia Blasio, Milena Cicatiello, Nicoleta Presură Călina, Patrizia Bove, Rossella Maggio, and Serghiescu Cristina.
In the Labore Civitatis category, recognition was awarded to individuals who have worked for the benefit of society and the community, including Senator Francesco Silvestro, attorney Paolo Ciannella, Professor Eduardo Celentano, Senior Marshal Davide Cono, and Dr. Michele Autorino.
A special posthumous tribute was paid in memory of Silvia Ruotolo.
The recognition of creators and accomplished individuals from diverse backgrounds emphasized the multicultural character of the event and its aspiration to acknowledge excellence across a wide range of fields.
Music That Illuminated the Evening and Its Atmosphere with a Dreamlike Cosmic Light
The artistic program combined Neapolitan musical tradition with classical and contemporary compositions.
Among the participants was Rosa Montano, a mezzo-soprano, pianist, organist, and singer who is also active in teaching and artistic direction.
Joining her was Laura Francesca Mastrominico, a percussionist and music teacher.
Pianist and conductor Fabio Espasiano, a graduate of the Naples Conservatory and founder of the Francesco D’Avalos Orchestra, was among the artists who enriched the program.
Violinist and conductor Egidio Mastrominico, who specializes in the musical heritage of 18th-century Naples, contributed his expertise to the meeting between tradition and artistic creation.
The duo Vincenzo Laudiero and Sossio Arciprete brought to the stage a combination of flute, musical arrangements, and influences from world music and folk traditions.
Pianist and composer Riccardo Fiorentino, who has international experience in composition, performance, and musical arrangements, also participated in the program.
The expanded coverage of the event also mentioned singer Francesca Curti Giardina, who is associated with the Neapolitan musical tradition.
Their performances added another artistic dimension to the ceremony and demonstrated the ability of poetry and music to create a shared language that transcends borders.
The People Who Left Their Distinctive Mark on the Magnificent Gala Evening and Contributed to Its Success
The ceremony was hosted by Ertilia Giordano, who guided the evening's proceedings, bringing together speeches, award presentations, and musical performances.
Sabrina Espasiano was responsible for stage management and coordination, while Emanuela De Micco oversaw the reception and hospitality of the award recipients.
The event took place in cooperation with cultural and institutional bodies, including organizations associated with the Filangieri Museum and artistic activities in Naples.
The combined efforts of the organizers, artists, and production team contributed to creating a festive evening with an international character.
The 27th edition of The Grand Award to Excellence – Tra le parole e l’infinito embodied Nicola Paone's vision: to provide an international platform for creators and accomplished individuals, and to encourage encounters between heritage, innovation, creativity, and social responsibility.
Iris Calif's receipt of the Grand Award for International Cultural Excellence added an Israeli poetic voice to the evening, carrying a message of love, faith, mutual respect, and universal peace.
The evening in Naples came to an end, but its cultural significance continues: an encounter between creators, between peoples, and between spiritual and artistic worlds.
"Between the Words and Infinity," Iris Calif continues to illuminate the world through the spirit of her words, carrying a universal message of love, mutual respect, harmony, humanity, hope, and peace - from Israel to the cultural stages of the world.
"THE HUMAN DIVINE FLOWER: THE IRIS"
By Israeli Poet and Writer Iris Calif
The poem was published in the official book “THE GRAND AWARD EXCELLENCE, XXVII EDIZIONE”, presented during the international award ceremony “Tra le parole e l’infinito” (“Between the Words and Infinity”), held in Naples, Italy.
During the ceremony, Israeli poet and writer Iris Calif received the Grand Award for International Cultural Excellence in recognition of her distinctive body of poetic work and her literary and cultural contribution to the enrichment of poetry and literature internationally.
THE HUMAN DIVINE FLOWER: THE IRIS
Iris Calif – Israel
God
In the living halo of heaven's candlesticks,
My blue-and-gold candle flame shines as Iris, a human flower.
I kindle my heavenly dance within the celestial realm of the human moon,
Amid the grace of the pure wilderness of the desert's wild ashes of life
The days gather the spirit-soul of the angel of my life,
Creating my human Iris-flower heart,
Toward the holy land,
The land of infinite universal peace,
Upon the heavenly winds of the realm
Of the human Iris flower of eternal peace
