Renowned Artist and Educator Salem Darwish Dies at 78

The village of Rameh is mourning the passing of artist, musician, and educator Salem Darwish, a prominent cultural figure in the Arab community, who died on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Darwish, who passed away after a long career, left a significant mark on music, composition, education, and cultural work.

Born and raised in Rameh, Darwish came from a musical family and received his early musical training from his father, a musician and singer. He mastered several instruments, including the oud, saz, and bouzouki, and was also a singer and composer. Throughout his career, he created dozens of melodies and songs, composed music for theatrical productions, and collaborated with numerous local and international artists.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Darwish was a music and rhythm teacher in several schools, passing on his knowledge to generations of young musicians. He was a co-founder of the "Al-Zaytouna Al-Khadra" (The Green Olive) band in the 1970s, a pioneering musical group at the time, and also co-founded and trained the "Ya'ad" choir, performing with them in festivals in Israel and abroad.

Darwish also explored theater and film scoring, established a private studio for music production, and remained an active presence in the cultural scene of Rameh and the surrounding region for decades. His legacy extends to his children, Darwish, Adham, Nour, and Balsam, who have continued his passion for music and art.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM from St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Rameh. Mourners can pay their respects at the Hanna Mu'is Cultural Center from 1:00 PM, with condolences accepted on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.