Judah Poliker Performs With Oxygen Tank Amid Lung Disease Battle

Israeli singer Judah Poliker performed on Wednesday evening at the Heichal HaTarbut venue connected to an oxygen tank, several weeks after revealing he is battling pulmonary fibrosis. Despite the illness and breathing difficulties, Poliker continues to perform for his audiences.

A representative for the singer stated that since revealing his condition, Poliker has felt no need to hide his struggle during performances, comparing it to his guitar amplifier. "He conquers every performance anew and doesn't give up on himself," the statement read. Poliker also aims to use his public struggle to raise awareness for pulmonary fibrosis and assist other patients.

Poliker first disclosed his diagnosis last month in an interview, explaining that tests revealed the condition over a year prior, leading to difficulties with walking and breathing, particularly during movement. He noted that while he barely feels the effects when sitting, breathing becomes difficult after only a few steps.

He shared that he sleeps with oxygen at night and takes medication to slow the disease's progression. Poliker speculated that years of smoking, working with chemicals in a barbershop, and his childhood in Haifa's industrial zone may have contributed to the illness. Despite the challenges, Poliker emphasized his commitment to music, stating that while he sometimes feels fear before going on stage, he forgets everything once he begins to play and sing. He acknowledged that the possibility of stopping performances arises, but the stage remains a central part of his life, asserting, "Without singing, without playing, and without standing on stage, I will no longer be the same."