Iris Calif – European Recognition of a Unique Israeli Poetic Voice
The first Israeli poet to receive the European Excellence Award "Between Words and Infinity" in Italy
An outstanding international achievement for Israeli literature — Israeli poet and author Iris Calif has been honored with the prestigious European Excellence Award in Italy, in recognition of her unique poetic voice and her outstanding contribution to culture and intercultural dialogue.
The Grand Award to Excellence – "Tra le parole e l’infinito"
Premio alle Eccellenze Europee · Gran Premio al Merito Internazionale
An important international achievement for Israeli culture and literature: Israeli poet and author Iris Calif has been officially announced as the recipient of the European Excellence Award – The Grand Award to Excellence, as part of the prestigious international award "Tra le parole e l’infinito" ("Between Words and Infinity"), held in Italy.
The official announcement of the winners of the 27th edition of the award places Iris Calif alongside leading creators, writers, and cultural figures from around the world, in recognition of her unique poetic creation, her literary and cultural activities, and her contribution to promoting dialogue between cultures through poetry and artistic expression.
Iris Calif is the first Israeli poet to officially receive this award during its 27-year history since its establishment in 2000. Her achievement represents a significant milestone for Israeli culture, bringing exceptional international recognition to Hebrew poetry and strengthening the presence of Israeli literature in the global cultural dialogue.
The founder of the award, Cav. Nicola Paone, stated:
"Iris Calif, you are the first Israeli writer in the history of the Prize to receive such a prestigious award."
This achievement joins the international cultural tradition of the award, which is dedicated to honoring exceptional creators and cultural figures whose work contributes to enriching human culture and strengthening connections between peoples and cultures.
The award ceremony will take place on October 31, 2026, as part of a prestigious gala evening at the historic Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri in Naples, Italy — one of the city’s most important cultural institutions.
The museum is located in the Renaissance palace Palazzo Como, a building of exceptional architectural and historical value, preserving rare art collections, books, manuscripts, and cultural artifacts reflecting centuries of European heritage. The choice of this location as the venue for the award ceremony highlights the connection between contemporary creativity and a rich cultural legacy.
The international award Premio alle Eccellenze Europee · Gran Premio al Merito Internazionale, with its deep cultural tradition, was
founded in 2000 by Cav. Nicola Paone and operates in the Campania region of Italy.
Since its establishment, the award has been dedicated to honoring outstanding figures in literature, art, and culture who, through their work and achievements, contribute to enriching human culture and strengthening connections between nations and cultures.
Through the vision of its founder, Cav. Nicola Paone, the award has become an international cultural platform that provides recognition and a stage for creators from around the world — creators who bring through their art messages of humanity, creativity, dialogue, and cooperation between cultures.
The 27th edition of the event carries the title:
"Tra le parole e l’infinito" – "Between Words and Infinity"
The title expresses the spirit of the award — a belief in the power of words to touch the human soul, connect cultures, and inspire universal dialogue through literature and art.
The central theme of the 27th edition focuses on the relationship between technological innovation and classical tradition, creating a space for reflection on cultural identity and the future of artistic expression in a changing era.
The event will take place under the patronage of the Grand Lodge of Italy of the Scottish Rite, in collaboration with Area Arte di Napoli, and with the support of additional non-profit cultural institutions and organizations in the Campania region, at national and international levels.
The gala evening will be hosted by journalist Artilla Giordano (Il Sole 24 Ore). The event will also feature talented young musicians, led by artistic director Ms. Rosa Montano and musical director Ms. Laura Francesca Mastrominico.
The 2026 edition will bring together leading figures from the worlds of culture and society, alongside writers, poets, and artists from around the world, in an international celebration of literature, art, and cultural exchange.
The event continues to establish itself as a unique platform connecting tradition and innovation, bringing together creators from diverse artistic fields and cultural voices from across the globe.
International Recognition of Iris Calif’s Unique Poetic Voice
Iris Calif’s achievement in receiving the European Excellence Award "Between Words and Infinity" represents international recognition of her unique poetic voice and exceptional literary creation, as well as a significant achievement for Israeli poetry, strengthening the place of Hebrew literature in the global cultural dialogue.
Her poetry is characterized by emotional and spiritual depth, an original poetic language, and an exceptional ability to create connections between humanity, the divine, nature, and creation. Her work carries values of love, harmony, hope, and humanity, and has the power to build bridges between people, nations, languages, and cultures.
Through her poetry, translations, and international cultural activities, Iris Calif continues to bring a distinctive Israeli voice to the world, promote dialogue between cultures, and present the strength and beauty of Hebrew poetry on the international cultural stage.
Iris Calif- ISRAEL
Iris Calif-Israel is an Israeli author, poet, journalist, editor, poetry translator, and dancer whose work has received broad international recognition. Her poetry combines spirituality, art, and culture, creating a poetic space that connects humanity, the divine, nature, and creation. Her writing expresses a humanistic and universal voice, seeking to build bridges of peace, love, and dialogue among peoples, cultures, and languages.
Calif-Israel is a member of the Hebrew Writers Association in Israel and ACUM. She serves as a poetry editor and translator for the literary, cultural, and artistic magazine "BaKivun HaRuach", 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 "Chadarim". She serves as Head of the Israeli Liaison Department of CHINH Magazine of Arts and Literature (Hong Kong–China), is a member of the World Association of Artists and Writers SAPS, and a member of the editorial team of the English edition of World Poetry Yearbook.
Alongside her original writing, Iris Calif-Israel translates the works of international poets into Hebrew, bringing poetic voices from diverse cultures to Israeli readers. Her poems and translations have been presented in art and literary exhibitions in Israel, including the exhibition "Butterflies of Peace", presented in June 2024 at the Air Force House Gallery in Herzliya. Her translation work reflects her commitment to promoting international cultural dialogue, connecting languages, and creating a shared space of creativity and understanding among peoples and cultures.
Among her international honors and awards are:
Grand Prize of Excellence – "Tra le parole e l'infinito" International Award (Italy, 2026) – the sole recipient from Israel.
Special Award for Excellence – City of Galateo – Antonio De Ferraris (Italy, 2024) for the poem "Angel of Life."
Best International Poet of the Year 2023, awarded by IPTRC–CHINH (China).
Israel's winning entry in the Friedrich Schiller International Literary Competition (Germany, 2025) for the poem "The Desert Bride."
The International Literary Award "The Greatest Poets of the World" (Greece–Mexico, 2026).
Iris Calif-Israel holds an Honorary Doctorate from the International Forum for Creativity, Humanity and Coexistence in the Kingdom of Morocco. In 2024, she was selected among the 20 leading international journalists of Legacy Crown's – Crown of Heritage (Asia), and received honorary diplomas from the Professional Writers' Union of Russia and the international magazine Arina NN, in recognition of her contribution to world culture, the promotion of friendship among peoples, and her international literary activity.
Her poems have been published and presented on radio and television, in journals, newspapers, anthologies, and numerous literary platforms in Israel and worldwide. Her work has been translated into many languages, including Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Nepali, Assamese, and Albanian. Articles and literary reviews about her work have been published by international literary critics and researchers, who have highlighted the uniqueness of her creation and its artistic and spiritual depth.
To date, three poetry books by her have been published: "On a Magical "Path, Lolita Breathes" (2001), "A Pure Wild Moon" (2017), and "Daughter of God" (2020), and she is currently working on her fourth and fifth poetry collections.
Her work continues to represent a unique Israeli voice in the international literary world and to endow poetry with dimensions of love, harmony, and humanity, illuminating the spirit of humankind, the sacred, and the profound connection between humanity, God, and creation, while carrying with it a dream of universal peace among peoples and cultures
Her poems have been published and presented on radio and television, in journals, newspapers, anthologies, and numerous literary platforms in Israel and worldwide. Her work has been translated into many languages, including Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Nepali, Assamese, and Albanian. Articles and literary reviews about her work have been published by international literary critics and researchers, who have highlighted the uniqueness of her creation and its artistic and spiritual depth
About the Founder of the Award
Cav. Nicola Paone– ITALY
Cav. Nicola Paone, born in Casoria, in the province of Naples (1955), is a cultural figure, entrepreneur, painter, founder and president of the "Tra le parole e l'infinito" ("Between Words and Infinity") Awards, considered among the most important international recognition initiatives in the fields of literature, culture, and excellence.
After his academic studies in art and his specialization in publishing, leadership, and communication, Paone dedicated his life to promoting culture, literature, and humanistic values. In 2000, he founded the literary award "Tra le parole e l'infinito", which in 2003 expanded into an international framework, becoming a platform that recognizes creators and cultural figures from around the world.
Over the years, Paone has founded additional major cultural initiatives and awards, including Premio Letterario Internazionale "Tra le parole e l'infinito" – the International Literary Award; Ad Haustum Doctrinarum – a Lifetime Achievement Award founded in 2006 and officially named in 2007, dedicated to individuals who have contributed to the dissemination of knowledge, culture, and justice; Labore Civitatis – a Lifetime Achievement Award established in 2010 in recognition of individuals who have acted with dedication, responsibility, and commitment for society and the community; The Grand Award to Excellence – Tra le parole e l'infinito – launched in 2020 and developed into a broad international framework honoring excellence in culture, art, and literature; and Premio alla Carriera Letteraria – Tra le parole e l'infinito – a Literary Lifetime Achievement Award founded in 2020 and dedicated to writers and poets from Italy and around the world.
For his cultural and international activities, Paone has received dozens of honors, titles, and distinctions, including the title of Knight of Merit of the Order of Knights of Saint George of Antioch (2001); the Silver Representative Medal awarded by the President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano (2008); the Gold Representative Medal awarded by the President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano (2011); appointment as Honorary Member of the National Association of the Italian State Police (A.N.P.S.) (2013); the title of Honorary Ambassador for Culture in Europe awarded by O.I.R.D. and C.I.C.S. (2017); the title of Knight – Guardian of Peace awarded by the International Confederation of Crusader Knights Assisi–Malta (2018); official patronage of the General Staff of the Italian Air Force on the occasion of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the award (2019); patronage of A.N.C.R.I. – Association of Recipients of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2021); the Excellent Diploma awarded by ACTIBE and SUD Magazine in Romania (2021); the Kosovo Mission emblem in recognition of his international activities (2021); appointment as Honorary Member of the N.O.S. Association and Certificate of Excellence from C.O.N.I.T.A. (2022); and the title Accademico di Merito ("Academic of Merit") awarded by Norman Academy in Rome (2023).
Over more than two decades, Nicola Paone has established himself as one of Italy’s prominent cultural figures, creating a bridge between literature, art, human values, and cultural diplomacy.
Through the awards he has founded, he continues to honor leading figures in
literature, art, science, law, culture, and public service, while promoting his vision that knowledge, culture, and excellence are universal assets to be shared with the world.
