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 prayers ..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) Full playlist at ..read more

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 popular I ..read more

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 Hour R ..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 g ..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) Full playlis ..read more

Music is amazing. It can raise you up or knock you down with just a few well-placed notes or lyrics. And somehow, the music in Israel since October 7 has been able to take us on all kinds of highs and lows. Each week, we at Israel Hour Radio have taken you on a musical roller-coaster ride, throwing your emotions into overdrive. But this week, just by coincidence, it seems we have more uplifting songs than we've had in a while. And despite the pain, we have plenty of good reasons to be optimistic, even during these dark days. No, not all of this week's brand new songs will put a smile on your f ..read more

It's been more than 100 days. 100 agonizing days of darkness. Of heartbreak. Of pain. 100 days of despair. The world recently marked 100 days since the horrific events of October 7, with special emphasis on the hostages that remain in Hamas captivity. This is a milestone we never imagined we'd reach. As painful as it is to think about the plight of these beautiful men, women, and children, it's so important for us to keep them in our hearts and minds every single day. So this week on Israel Hour Radio, we mark this tragic milestone with a recap of the songs that have emerged in support of our ..read more

It's our first show of 2024 - but despite the new year, the 'matzav' (situation) drags on. We're still at war, we're still awaiting the return of our hostages, we're still grieving what we lost on October 7 and its aftermath. Thankfully, new Israeli music helps unite us, reminding us constantly of what we're fighting for. This week, more new music to depress, inspire, frustrate, uplift, move, and reassure you, connecting you to the vibe of today's Israel as nothing else can. Plus - we wish a musical Happy Anniversary to some wonderful listeners, and share details on our upcoming speaking tour ..read more

Yes, it's become the year many of us would like to forget. But as 2023 comes to a close, we take an hour to reminisce about the songs released in the blissful days before the world turned upside down. Radio stations in Israel radically changed their playlists after the tragic events of October 7, but for nine months prior, they played innocent, fun, upbeat songs, blaring on radios throughout the country. This week, we count down the songs that received the most airplay on Israeli radio throughout 2023, offering a short respite from the powerful, heavy songs we've become accustomed to in the da ..read more