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


Musician Stephen Horenstein's jazz debut performance in Jerusalem

In his pre-show notes, Horenstein talks about offering his audience “a cleansing, a sort of exorcism, of everything we have had to experience."

 STEPHEN HORENSTEIN blows on a Chinese saxophone.

Jerusalem's Tzama festival unites through music amid war

In these challenging times, the Tzama Music Festival continues to strengthen connections and elevate spirits through the power of Jewish music.

FROM LEFT, Avraham Fried, Amir Dadon, and Ishay Ribo entertain the Jerusalem audience.

Sunny, southern sounds: The 14th winter edition of Red Sea Jazz Festival mixes things up

The wider-ranging areas of the festival itinerary include stellar singer-songwriter Tamir Grinberg, high-energy African groove from Tama Rada, and more.

 MIRI MESIKA joins up with the 12-strong Israeli Jazz Orchestra.

Musician Gilad Vital from Shotei Ha'nevua killed in car accident at 54

Vital was riding a motorcycle and was hit by a vehicle on Highway 653 near Givat Ada.

 Givad Vital

Israeli rock icon Corinne Allal dies at 69 after cancer battle

 “Corinne was a rare and remarkable individual who fought for her beliefs and left a powerful mark as a true force in Israeli music.”

 ALLAL AT the start of her career

Noa, Mergui, Netta, and...Gabriel: Israeli pop music's latest sensation gets ready to go global

Guy was signed by UMG in 2022, at which point they set out to re-produce his demo songs on a more professional level, and the video for “Arrest Me” was born.

 GABRIEL GUY: I had to work for things and I’m still working on things because I’m still not successful. I’m at the beginning.

How 'Tamid Ohev Oti' became an unlikely Israeli anthem of 2024

“Tamid Ohev Oti” is more than a song; it’s a phenomenon uniting Israel through faith, rhythm, and hope.

 SASSON SHAULOV’S YouTube cover page for ‘Tamid Ohev Oti,’ translated from the Hebrew as ‘Always Loves Me.’

Israeli music shines at ACUM awards, reflecting resilience and hope

From veteran artists to new talents, the ACUM awards honor Israel’s year of music during war and unity.

 HOST ZVIKA HADAR with Ness ve Stilla at an ACUM music awards ceremony on Sunday night in Glilot.

Israeli music icon Yair Klinger to be honored with lifetime achievement award

The iconic Israeli songwriter's career spans six decades, with a number of popular hits and hundreds of songs.

 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT for Yair Klinger.

Hakeves Hashisha-Asar reunion sparks nostalgia with sold-out shows

'Hakeves Hashisha-Asar' concerts combine original hits, solo tracks, and a heartfelt tribute to Yehonatan Geffen

 FROM LEFT, Yoni Rechter, Yehudit Ravitz, Gidi Gov, and David Broza.