Jump to content

IZZY – Stream Israel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
IZZY – Stream Israel
Founded2020
HeadquartersIsrael (Tel-Aviv), Boston (MA)
Area servedWorldwide (excluding Israel)
Founder(s)Josh Hoffman, Nati Dinnar
Key peopleNati Dinnar (CEO)
Industry
URLizzy.streamisrael.tv

IZZY – Stream Israel is a global subscription-based streaming platform focused on Israeli content, including television series, films, and documentaries. The platform was launched in 2020 by American entrepreneur Josh Hoffman[1] and Israeli television producer Nati Dinnar,[2] with the goal of making Israeli stories accessible to a worldwide audience. It is sometimes referred to as the "Netflix of Israel."[2]

History

[edit]

IZZY was co-founded in 2020 by Josh Hoffman and Nati Dinnar. Hoffman, a Los Angeles native who moved to Israel in 2013, brought his background in marketing and storytelling to the venture. Dinnar, a veteran of the Israeli media industry, had previously worked at Keshet (Channel 2), Channel 10, and his own production company. Together, they envisioned a centralized platform for Israeli storytelling that could reach Jewish and non-Jewish viewers around the world.

The platform launched in 2020 and is operated from: Israel (Tel-Aviv), US and Argentina. Initially focused on curated Israeli films, series, and documentaries with English subtitles, IZZY quickly gained traction among Jewish communities abroad and international viewers interested in Israeli content.

In 2022, the founding partnership came to an end, and Dinnar acquired Hoffman's shares, becoming the sole owner and CEO of the company. Under Dinnar’s leadership, IZZY sharpened its focus on exclusive original productions, expanded global partnerships, and significantly increased marketing efforts across Jewish and cultural organizations worldwide.

By 2024, IZZY had subscribers in more than 100 countries and added support for French, Spanish, and Portuguese subtitles, marking a major step in its international growth strategy.

A major turning point came in 2025 with IZZY’s acquisition and worldwide premiere of Kugel, the official spinoff of the acclaimed Israeli drama Shtisel. This marked IZZY’s most significant move into original and exclusive content and contributed to a sharp increase in subscribers, particularly in North America and Western Europe. The launch was accompanied by a global campaign that included early access events, Jewish film festival screenings, and partnerships with Jewish community centers.

In parallel with the growth of IZZY, Dinnar also launched the Israel Entertainment Fund, a nonprofit initiative aimed at co-producing Israeli content for international audiences. The first projects under the fund, Fighters, a docuseries co-produced with Keshet 12, was released in late 2024, and Red Alert, a dramatized series inspired by real events from the October 7th attacks, which highlights the heroism of civilians and first responders during the early hours of the assault. Red Alert is produced by Green Productions, together with Keshet 12 and hollywood producer Lawrence Bender.

IZZY’s long-term vision is to become the leading global platform for Israeli content, reaching millions of households and serving as a cultural and strategic soft power tool for Israel.

Content and features

[edit]

IZZY offers over 1,000 hours of curated Israeli programming, including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and independent films. The platform publishes fresh content and new episodes every week, maintaining a dynamic and engaging viewing experience for subscribers around the world. IZZY regularly adds exclusive premieres and original productions tailored for global audiences.

Among its most popular drama series are Kugel (the official Shtisel spinoff), The Women’s Balcony, and Kathmandu. IZZY also features powerful documentary films such as Sabena Hijacking: My Version, Rescue Bus 300, The Longest Night, and Golda.

In the docuseries category, highlights include Under the Iron Dome, Fighters, and Lioness of the Jordan Valley, each offering unique insight into Israel’s defense, resilience, and society.

IZZY also offers comedies and lighter fare, such as Dismissed (המפקדת), Where Do You Live?, and My Life in 60 Minutes, giving viewers a taste of Israeli humor and everyday life.

All content is available with English subtitles, and many titles also feature French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Hebrew subtitles. IZZY is available across web, mobile, and TV apps, and includes features like personalized watchlists, offline viewing, and curated collections by genre, theme, and cultural significance.

Reception

[edit]

A December 2024 article in EU Reporter highlighted IZZY’s efforts to bridge cultural divides through media, calling it “a digital bridge between Israeli creators and global audiences.”[3]

References

[edit]