Israeli music

Music to our ears, and hearts: How music shaped Israel’s identity over 78 years

The 1967 Six Day War changed everything, as this then-fledgling country, bursting with self-confidence, began to open up to the Western world.

YOAV KUTNER has charted much of the evolution of Israeli music.
SGT. GADI Cotal.

How songs become memory: The role of music on Israel’s Memorial Day

Ittai Binnun plays a large number of wind and other instruments.

Ittai Binnun’s ‘Home’: Jerusalem jazz meets post–Oct 7. reality

Family members and friends attend a funeral service for Israeli singer and composer Mati Caspi, who passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer, in Tel Aviv, February 9, 2026.

Matti Caspi laid to rest as family and artists gather to honor his legacy


Ofra Haza named one of top 200 singers of all time by Rolling Stone

Haza’s life was a rags-to-riches story in which she soared high, helped change the Israeli music industry’s perception of Mizrahi music, had a huge international career and died tragically young.

 File photo of Israeli singer Ofra Haza, with her manager Bezalal Aloni.

Israeli guitarist Yitzhak Klepter passes away at 72

One of Klepter's solos was rated as the greatest guitar solo in the history of Israeli music in 1997.

 Guitarist Yitzhak Klepter of the Israeli rockband Kaveret.

Dennis Chambers set to light up this year's Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat

Chambers will be performing at the Red Sea Jass Festival in Eilat November 10-12, along with United States-based Ukrainian-born Israeli pianist Ruslan Sirota.

 DENNIS CHAMBERS

Israeli Jazz Musician Ilan Bar Lavi performs at the Polanco Jazz Festival in Mexico City

The Polanco Jazz Festival is one of Mexico’s most important jazz festivals

 Jazz Musician Ilan Bar Lavi

Music is music at this year's Tzlilei Stav music festival

Tzlilei Stav started out at Tefen in 2016, moving on to Ein Kerem for a couple of years before ending up in Abu Gosh.

 SOPRANO NOUR Darwish will be featured at the Tzlilei Stav (Fall Sounds) Festival.

Developing young, talented Israeli musicians with the Ronen Foundation

What began as a small, intimate family endeavor has grown into a foundation that has helped some 500 young musicians, many of whom have gone on to international fame.

 Tom Cohen

Biden shares words of Torah, Itzhak Perlman plays 'Avinu Malkeinu' at the White House

Perlman performed "Avinu Malkeinu," a well-known High Holy Day prayer begging God, "our father, our king," for the forgiveness of sin. 

Genesis Prize winner Itzhak Perlman

WATCH: Yair Lapid serenades son at wedding day after UN speech

Yoav, Lapid's son from his first marriage, had a small wedding only inviting only close friends and family. Yoav has a very private life and has been staying out of the press.

Foreign Minister and Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid

Noa Kirel hosts US sensation Gayle in Tel Aviv

During a brief break from a European tour, the 18-year-old TikTok star with the huge hit single “abcdefu,” joined the Israeli superstar onstage for two songs.

 Artist GAYLE, international pop sensation whose song 'abcdefu' went viral on Tik Tok in 2021.

Israeli pop duo Static and Ben El split up after 7 years

About three months ago, Ben El was informed by his management that he was expected to resolve his personal problems and that the situation could not continue for much longer.

 Israeli pop-duo Static & Ben El Tavori perform at the opening ceremony of the Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem, July 14, 2022.