Israeli music

Israeli music industry doubtful over Kanye West's potential return to Israel

Rumors that Kanye West may perform in Israel after apologizing for past antisemitic remarks have sparked skepticism and backlash within the Israeli music industry.

(L-R) Kanye "Ye" West and Bianca Censori attend the 67th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Noam Bettan will represent Israel at Eurovision 2026.

Israel’s Noam Bettan keeps singing through Eurovision boycott storm

YOAV KUTNER has charted much of the evolution of Israeli music.

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

SGT. GADI Cotal.

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


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.

Mizrahi pop singer Eden Hason comes out as gay

Hason follows in the footsteps of other LGBTQ+ Israeli icons, indicating a societal shift for Mizrahi music fans.

 Israeli singers Ishay Ribo and Eden Hason at a ceremony marking Remembrance Day for Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terror, at the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem, on May 12, 2024.

My Word: In times like these, every song becomes a prayer - opinion

ISRAELI MUSIC is changing, in tune with the times. Elton John sings “Sad songs say so much...” but in Hebrew, sad songs have their own elevated status.

 SOLDIERS DANCE at a concert by singer Idan Raichel at an army base in the South, last month. In these days of trauma and war there may be room for optimism, says the writer.

Dine and show: The festival combining food and music returns

Ever dreamed of enjoying Chef Rafi Cohen's cuisine to the tune of authentic music? The Zappa Group's Chef & Show festival is back with intriguing combinations.

 Chef Raphi Cohen

Sabina's new album explores her Journey in Israel towards gratitude, connection, and belonging

The German-born singer releases her second album in Hebrew, reflecting on Zionism and motherhood in Israel.

"It was important for me to release an album in Hebrew this time because my heart is here," Sabina says.

A dream concert to any Israeli music lover: Caspi, Sanderson, Banai take Jerusalem's stage - review

As the audience sang along to lyrics such as, “Today, finally, I’ll make you smile/Today, I’ll banish the sadness from your eyes,” it was the perfect blending of a joyful sound and sorrowful present.

 THE JERUSALEM ORCHESTRA East West, a multicultural orchestra conducted by maestro Tom Cohen (left), accompanies Danny Sanderson (center) on Thursday night.

Jerusalem highlights June 28 – July 4

Editor’s note: Due to the current security situation, events listed below may be postponed or canceled. Check before booking, and stay safe.

 ‘CHOOSE LIFE.’

A prodigal son returns: Asaf Avidan continues to prove his talent with riveting one-man show

Although he sings in English, Avidan spoke to the packed theater in Hebrew, telling the audience at the outset that he did not consider his music “escapism.”

A view of Asaf Avidan in performance in Israel this week.

Laivy Miller follows in the big footsteps of his father, Matisyahu

“My dad taught that music is giving and that we have to be a vessel if you have it – everything is from Hashem. If God gives you the gift of a voice, it is for a reason.” 

 LAIVY MILLER sings with his father, Matisyahu, in Israel.