Hit Songwriter Yossi Gispan Breaks Silence on Politics and Past

Renowned Israeli songwriter Yossi Gispan, known for numerous hit songs, has emerged from a period of public absence, revealing personal reflections and political views in an exclusive interview with "Cabinet Friday." Gispan, who had retreated from the spotlight in recent years to focus on family, explained that a recent injury prompted his return to public life. He discussed his childhood education, recalling how his school principal encouraged students to become tradespeople like cobblers and mechanics to build the country, lamenting that the encouragement didn't extend to professions like pilots or doctors.

Gispan also shed light on the inspiration behind his famous song "When the Heart Cries," performed by Sarit Hadad. He clarified that the song was written during the 2000 Ramallah lynching, not in response to it, expressing his distress at the time over the perceived inaction of Israel's military and government. He described the song as coming to him almost instantly, written in mere minutes.

Transitioning to politics, Gispan addressed the perceived shift in artistic expression, noting a decline in artists willing to voice right-wing opinions publicly. He stated that those who do are often labeled extremists or "Bibiists" (supporters of Benjamin Netanyahu). Gispan defiantly declared his willingness to accept such labels, stating, "Guys, call me a Bibiist, call me whatever you want."