The Israeli Juggling Convention (IJC) takes place each year during the Passover Holiday. The IJC is the second biggest juggling convention in the world (after the EJC) with around 2000 participants each year.
Israeli juggling conventions started in the late 80s and then took a break before continuing regularly from the mid-90s. Since 2000, the IJC has been on the same site and has used a consistent format:
The convention takes place during the intermediary days of Passover.
Since 2000, the convention has been located in the Gan HaShlosha National Park in the north of Israel near Beit She'an.
It is a camping convention and the main activities take place in a large on-site gym. There are vendors, workshops, and general practice space available for juggling and many other circus skills.
The first evening traditionally has a juggling competition named in memory of Avi Rosenberg. For many years it alternated between 3 ball and 3 club opens, but since 2014 it has been a best trick competition with any prop. Winners are voted for by the audience and cash prizes are sponsored by the Rosenberg family.
The Special Show is a full theater show that varies between artistic, theatrical, technical, and comedy.
Smaller shows include an open stage, a fire show, renegades, juggle jam, kids shows, a closing show, and sometimes others.
Starting in 2015, IJC has had a successful parade through the city of Beit Shean.
The Juggling Olympics is usually one of the last days or nights of the convention. Numerous juggling games and contests are presented. Highlights have included 5 ball endurance, shekel juggling, the "Tournir Yoni" 3 tennis ball combat, club combat, and unicycle combat. Since 2015, it has been held in the Roman amphitheater of the Beit She'an National Park.
Other competitions held at IJC have included Fight Night and IJA IRC.
Many years had an Israeli Show showcasing many of the best Israeli performers.
The International Gala is on the final evening and is a high quality variety show with about a dozen world-class performers brought in from around the world.
IJC hosts special and disadvantaged groups to visit the convention and take part in workshops and activities every year.
IJC is backed by a certified non-profit organization, The Non-Profit for the Advancement of Juggling and Circus in Israel. The convention is run mainly by volunteers (except for some small roles such as security and registration).
