Odia Azulai Releases New EP Addressing Domestic Violence

Israeli singer and songwriter Odia Azulai has released her highly anticipated new EP, "HaShem Azar," featuring five new songs exploring themes of faith, femininity, and pain. The EP is already being hailed as a significant event in the Israeli music industry.

The central track, "Dylan *3898," directly confronts domestic violence. Co-written with Avi Ohayon, the song tells the story of a woman experiencing abuse who hides her injuries. In a powerful act of advocacy, Azulai embedded the emergency hotline number for the Michal Sela Forum (*3898) within the song's title, aiming to raise awareness and direct women in need to immediate assistance.

Following the song's release, Azulai urged women in distress via social media to contact the hotline for help. She also cautioned her younger fans against frivolous calls to the number, emphasizing its critical role in saving lives and preventing unnecessary strain on emergency services.

The EP also includes "Puffit," a song that became a viral sensation with millions of views and tens of thousands of TikTok uses before its official release, following a live performance. Other tracks include "V'ani B'chasdecha Batei'ach," a collaboration with Ben Tzour, and "Nimshachat La'atzmi" and "Ruzzi Yalda," which are described as deeply personal and revealing.

Azulai's personal connection to themes of home, family, and pain is evident in her life as well. In July, she shared a heartfelt video celebrating her mother's birthday, expressing deep love and gratitude, and later shared a video of them at the Western Wall.