IFA’s collection of folktales was created by thousands of storytellers and collectors, all volunteers, who devoted their time and shared folk narratives over the years.

Prof. Dov Noy initiated the collection of folktales originating in Israel’s different ethnic communities. The first tales recorded were published in the section “Mipi Ha’am” (By the people), when Noy served as the editor of a weekly insert on literature for Omer, a newspaper targeted for new Olim. The collection was built on oral narratives passed down from generation to generation.

In 1955, this collection was incorporated into Haifa’s Museum of Ethnology and Folklore. Noy headed the archives until 1983, when they were transferred to the University of Haifa, where they are presently housed.

IFA is managed by a scientific advisory council led by the academic head. The council includes members from all folklore departments in Israeli research universities.