It’s May, and that means it is time for the annual Israel Culture of Peace Festival. The happening, set for May 25-28, puts the spotlight on collaboration and multicultural performances.

The festival’s bill includes Jewish, Moslem and Christian traditional music, Arabic and Hebrew theater productions, oriental dance performances, as well as street theater and art exhibits.

Among those scheduled to perform at the Tzavta Theater in Tel Aviv is Lior Elmalich, singer of traditional jewish liturgical poetry.

The much acclaimed singer will debut a new concert series at the festival. The in-demand Elmalich has said that his main dream is to introduce the beauty of the piutim (Jewish liturgical poetry) to as many music lovers as possible all over the world.

Also on the bill at this year’s event is the Shirana Choir, a mixed women’s choir with a rich repertoire of songs in various languages. The 20 members – Jewish, Christian and Moslem – sing about peace, hope and fate.

This is the ninth year the Israel Culture of Peace Festival is taking place.