Director Hanoch Rozen and Actress Eliana Tidhar Pay Tribute to Miki Peled, Founder of Festigal

At the 2026 Festigal press conference, director Hanoch Rozen and star Eliana Tidhar delivered heartfelt eulogies for Miki Peled, the founder and executive producer of Festigal, who passed away recently at age 87. Rozen described Peled as a visionary who created one of Israel's most beloved cultural traditions 45 years ago. He praised Peled as a dreamer with professional skill who brought large-scale shows to Israel, including the iconic Festigal, which continues to captivate hundreds of thousands annually.

Rozen highlighted Peled's legacy of entrusting the Festigal to capable hands, specifically mentioning the Edri family, who continue to uphold and elevate the production each year. He emphasized that Peled's influence remains alive through the ongoing success and emotional impact of the Festigal.

Eliana Tidhar, marking her 14th Festigal, shared a personal memory from her debut in 2011 when Peled encouraged her backstage, exemplifying his attention to both grand and small details. Tidhar noted how Peled made everyone feel valued and present, contributing deeply to the show's spirit.

Born in Romania in 1939 and immigrating to Israel in 1948, Peled was a pioneer in Israeli entertainment. He initiated the first Festigal in 1981, which quickly became a cherished national tradition. Beyond Festigal, Peled produced numerous cultural events and collaborated with leading Israeli artists. His lifelong contributions earned him a lifetime achievement award from ACUM. Rozen concluded, "Something of Miki remains with us forever," underscoring Peled's enduring imprint on Israeli culture and generations of families.