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


After being canceled in the US, Jewish singer Matisyahu will return to Israel

During his stay in Israel, Matisyahu, 44, will be recipient of a special prize from Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chickli for their efforts to advocate for Israel.

 Matisyahu

Woman 2024 festival hosts tribute to Alona Turel, one of Israel's most important musicians

The Turel nod forms part of the Woman 2024 program, which runs at the Holon Theater March 5-9. The subtitle of the predominantly musical event reads “Female Art at the Holon Theater.”

Alona Turel

Israeli singer Lior Farhi dies of cardiac arrest at 53

Farhi's career began in the 80s, when he was still a teenager. He released his first album, "Like a Silent Stone," at the beginning of 1995.

 Lior Farhi.

Malawi Men's choir pays tribute to Gaza hostages singing Israeli song

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said this video of the men's choir singing Home in particular moved them. 

 Israelis gather in Tel Aviv for the release of Gaza hostages on November 25, 2023

Veteran guitarist, vocalist Amir Lev returns to an old favorite

All together now: Perhaps Amir Lev’s inaugural orchestral two-step will lead to more of the same further down the rocker’s long and winding road.

 AMIR LEV: I felt this project could connect me to my roots.

Singer Idan Amedi released from hospital, honors fallen 'brothers-in-arms'

He emphasizes that if there is something “good” that has happened as a result of his injury, it is his ability to be a messenger.

 Idan Amedi speaks at Sheba Tel HaShomer medical center in his first public appearance since being injured in the Gaza Strip, January 25, 2024

Music for everybody in Eilat

This year’s Classicameri Festival spreads the fun musical word far and wide.

 CONDUCTOR, COMPOSER, pianist, and accordion player Omer Meir Wellber will lead the Classicameri Festival.

American-born musician Aryeh Naftaly looks to rekindle the Zionist dream

Judging by the lyrics of the dozen tracks, Naftaly has not only observed the Israeli zeitgeist, but he has internalized and processed his accrued understanding of the lay of the land here.

 THE ELEVATORS, with Aryeh Naftaly (left), in action.

Israeli violinist Miri Ben-Ari to perform in New Jersey on MLK Day, promoting unity 

The concert is devoted to promoting unity between the Black Christian and Jewish communities and to fighting hate through music while celebrating Martin Luther King Day.

 MIRI BEN-ARI with members of the Symphony of Brotherhood choir.

Freed hostage Mia Leimberg performs duet with Aviv Geffen

Geffen and Leimberg’s video for the song, which is titled “Black Sunrise,” opens with the moment Leimberg stepped out of a Hamas-driven van to be handed over to the Red Cross.

 MIA LEIMBERG, 17, who was recently released from Hamas captivity.