Arik Einstein

Ofra Haza. (YouTube screenshot)

Riches to rags to virtual riches: When Mizrahi artists said ‘no’ to Israel’s pioneer culture

Upon their arrival in Israel, Mizrahi Jews found themselves under a regime that demanded obedience, even in cultural matters. All were required to conform to an idealized pioneer figure who sang classical, militaristic ‘Hebrew’ songs. That is, before the ‘Kasetot’ era propelled Mizrahi artists into the spotlight, paving the way for today’s musical stars. Part two of…

By Haokets December 14, 2013

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at Arik Einstein's memorial service, held in Rabin Square, Tel Aviv. (photo: Activestills)

Arik Einstein and the failure of Israeli liberal Zionism

As the death of legendary Israeli singer and actor Arik Einstein became a nationwide event, it became clear that some of his mourners were more interested in lamenting what they saw as the end of Ashkenazi rule in Israel. Tom Pessah talks about the role that someone as great as Einstein can play in creating…

By +972 Magazine November 29, 2013

Arik Einstein. (screenshot: YouTube)

In the diaspora, Arik Einstein defined ‘Israeliness’

As an Israeli who was born and raised in the United States, few things were more important to me than formulating an Israeli identity. It was a strange complex, which, at its core, always strived to be “the most Israeli” possible (and always more Israeli than those who surrounded me). In our expat community, Israeliness…

By Edo Konrad November 27, 2013

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Israeli singer Arik Einstein, 1939-2013. (Government Press Office)

Arik Einstein: The iconization of a non-icon

Israeli singer and actor Arik Einstein died last night at 74. More than any other in the previous two decades, the moment of his death resembled that of Rabin’s – the face of the TV anchorman, the reactions of my friends (this time on social media), the people gathering in front of Tel Aviv City…

By Noam Sheizaf November 27, 2013

Habiluim preforming at IndieNegev Festival, 2012 (photo: Goni Riskin)

A return of the post-Zionist cabaret

A successful indie band whose radical lyrics dealt with Israeli taboos – from the Nakba to militarism – is making a comeback. Photographs by Goni Riskin The basic rules for political engagement in Israel: Yearning for peace is welcomed, criticism of the occupation is tolerated but not really liked, and mentions of the Nakba and…

By Noam Sheizaf October 25, 2012