Zohar Thawcho
Hebrew, Arabic, Circassian
Founder and director of the Circassian Museum in Kfar Kama and chairman of the Circassia Association
Zohar Thawcho, a native of Kfar Kama, is a unique and authentic voice who reveals to Israeli audiences the fascinating and little-known story of the Circassian community. As founder and director of the Circassian Museum and chairman of the Circassia Association, Zohar is not merely a lecturer – he is a heritage ambassador on behalf of international organisations, bridging historical and cultural gaps.
In his lectures, Zohar takes his audience on a journey across continents: from the Caucasus, through exile, to the unique integration of the Circassians in Israel. Audiences discover surprising facts about the rescue of 32 Jewish children by Circassians during the Second World War, and a rich heritage of language, tradition and an ethical code (“Adyghe Khabze”) that is still very much alive.
Zohar Thawcho’s lectures are a must for anyone who wishes to broaden their knowledge of Israel’s human mosaic and to discover the strength of a minority identity that has preserved its uniqueness while remaining wholly loyal to the state.
Public role: Founder and director of the Circassian Museum; chairman of the Circassia Association.
Main lecture topics: The Circassian–Jewish alliance, Circassian history and culture, minorities in Israel, and the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust by Circassians.