This week, we acknowledge a grim milestone: six months since the October 7 massacre, kidnapping of hostages, and the resulting Operation Swords of Iron. As we watch events unfold, we remain sick with worry for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. At the same time, we stand united in the belief that the State of Israel will emerge from this conflict stronger than before. In expressing a roller coaster of emotions, the music of this conflict has been nothing short of inspiring. This week, a recap of the most significant songs of the past six months, with prayer ..read more

With Israel still very much at war, the country’s ‘new normal’ continues to permeate its music. Yes, some of the new music is very raw, very painful, and very powerful. Other songs are as seemingly as mundane as can be, as Israeli music continues to shift onto topics other than the war. Still, nearly every song you hear these days can be interpreted differently due to today’s complicated reality. Take, for example, Israel’s 2024 Eurovision entry, ‘Hurricane.’ Even though the song sounds completely ‘pareve,’ we all know it’s about Israel’s current state of affairs and the pain so many of us ar ..read more

So often – especially throughout the current situation in Israel – Israeli music speaks directly to our hearts and evokes a wide range of emotions. This week we’ll do the same…but in an overwhelmingly positive tone! Ready to smile? Hatikva 6, Moshe Peretz, Shlomi Shabbat, Lior Narkis, Mosh Ben Ari, Eden Ben Zaken, and many more will take you on a musical journey that’s sure to lift your spirits just a bit during this difficult time. As one of our listeners said, ‘I don’t want this week’s show to end!’ Tune in and let us know if you agree. (Original Air Date: March 10, 2024) ️ the show? Help u ..read more

HEROES is an illuminating and unifying experience that honors the heroic acts of October 7th. It is dedicated to those who lost their lives while saving the lives of others on that horrific day. Jewish heroes throughout history are also honored and woven into the program. The multimedia stage experience incorporates songs and videos with live music, together with touching documentary scenes, and high-tech video artwork, effects, and lighting. In the interest of accessibility for wide-reaching audiences, the storytelling and speaking parts will be in English. Leading the HEROES project is Gil ..read more

Koolulam Over the last several months, Israel Hour Radio has kept you up to date with the latest Israeli music, born of pain and pride during this time of war. It’s reminiscent of another time of war – the Yom Kippur War of 1973. It began 50 years (nearly to the day) before the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, and like our current conflict, Israel was taken by surprise on one of its most sacred days of the year. Israel suffered many losses during that war, and much of the music released the following year reflected that sad reality. So this week on Israel Hour Radio, we bring you the most ..read more

Koolulam Clay Aiken once said: “A song can be more than words and music … when sung with soul a song carries you to another world, to a place where no matter how much pain you feel, you are never alone.” Well, in today’s very painful world, so many in Israel and around the world have turned to singing to help ease the pain and bring people together. Ever since October 7th, the internet has been flooded with videos of communal singing, in which thousands of people filled up auditoriums, stadiums, or schoolyards to sing their hearts out. The result? A few moments of sheer joy. This week’s Israel ..read more

It’s finally here! After weeks of waiting and plenty of controversy, Israel finally revealed its official entry to Eurovision 2024: “Hurricane” by Eden Golan. This year, Israel wanted to share with the world the pain and anguish the country felt since the October 7 attacks. However, Israel’s original entry entitled “October Rain” was not accepted by the Eurovision Broadcasting Union, who deemed it “too political”. After many appeals, much debate, and some creative alterations, “Hurricane” was born. Here are the lyrics to “Hurricane” by Eden Golan. What do you think of Israel’s entry to Eurovi ..read more

What does Israeli music sound like today? A mix of everything. Some of it is sad, some of it hopeful, some of it patriotic. And some…is just back to normal. This week on Israel Hour Radio, you’ll hear it all – from love songs to the country, to plain old love songs that could be recorded anytime. From painful songs about our hostages, to painful songs in memory of fallen Israeli soldiers. From classic Israeli songs heard in a whole new light, to classic Jewish texts reimagined. A meaningful mix of new Israeli music, sprinkled with a few ounces of the mundane. We’ll also remember Israeli singe ..read more

Ask Josh Shron about his ‘happy place,’ and he’ll tell you: number one is on the beach in Tel Aviv, and number two is behind the control board at WRSU Studios in New Jersey. This week he comes to you from Happy Place 2 for the first time in six months, and you can just hear the excitement in his voice! Despite his joy, he also brings along a playlist of emotional songs about the ‘matzav’ (situation)…with new Israeli music mourning those we’ve lost, praying for those we miss, and celebrating our beloved homeland. You’ll also meet Israel’s newly-crowned representative to Eurovision 2024, and ge ..read more

We’ve focused on the victims, we’ve focused on the survivors…but how about a show dedicated to the soldiers? The men and women of the IDF are putting their lives on the line each and every day, fighting on the front lines or behind the scenes. They are all true HEROES, defending our right to exist! This week, Israel Hour Radio salutes our chayalim during this time of war, with positive, uplifting songs of strength, heroism, patriotism, and dedication. You’ll emerge from the hour with a heightened sense of pride in our men and women in green! (Original Air Date: January 28, 2024) ️ the show? H ..read more