Riki Gal Releases Emotional Tribute Song to Late Sister

Israeli singer Riki Gal has released a new, deeply emotional song titled "Shalom Lach Achoti" (Hello Sister), a farewell piece dedicated to her late sister, Sarit, who passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. The song, written about a year before Sarit's death, has taken on added significance following the events of October 7th, becoming a broader elegy for anyone who has lost a sibling. Gal stated that when she wrote the song, she felt she was writing about everyone who had lost a sister, especially after October 7th and knowing her family was facing a loss that had been 33 years in the making.

The song's accompanying music video features artwork created by Sarit herself. Despite being 100% disabled and paralyzed by cancer, with only one functioning hand, Sarit continued to paint. Her artwork is now an integral part of the song, weaving together Gal's lyrics, the music by Kobi Oshrat, and Sarit's artistic legacy, exploring sisterly love, the pain of separation, and art's enduring power.

Gal, who recently celebrated her 75th birthday and 55 years in her career, continues to collaborate with prominent Israeli artists. She previously worked with Dudu Tassa on the song "Ata Ba" and with Shlomo Yaron on "Ad She'Hégeta," a love song to her partner. She has upcoming performances, including a show with the Israeli Philharmonic on October 26th at the Tel Aviv Opera House, a band performance at the Binyamina Amphitheater on September 28th with Dana Berger, and a special 75th-anniversary concert at the Rishon LeZion Festival during Sukkot 2025, where she will be joined by guests Yehuda Poliker, Miri Mesika, and Idan Haviv.