Russian-Israeli Rapper Wraps Himself in Israeli Flag During Spain Concert
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Russian-Israeli rapper Elisha Morgenshtern displayed an Israeli flag during a concert in Spain, stating his intention to bring light to a country he described as hating Israel. Morgenshtern, who immigrated to Israel in 2022 and recently converted to Judaism, made the statement during his performance. He had previously faced legal issues in Russia, including being labeled a "foreign agent" and fleeing the country after drug trafficking charges.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Russian-Israeli rapper Elisha Morgenshtern waved an Israeli flag during a concert in Spain.
- Morgenshtern stated his performance was in a country that hates Israel, aiming to find light in darkness.
- He immigrated to Israel in 2022 and recently completed a conversion to Judaism.
- Morgenshtern was previously accused of drug trafficking in Russia and fled to Dubai.
- He was designated a "foreign agent" by the Russian Ministry of Justice in May 2022.
Russian-Israeli rapper Elisha Morgenshtern draped himself in the Israeli flag during a recent performance in Spain. Morgenshtern, who immigrated to Israel in 2022 and recently completed a conversion to Judaism, addressed the audience, stating, "I'm not involved in politics at all, but we are in a country that hates Israel. Precisely in the darkest place, one can find light." He explained that his performance that evening was dedicated to this message.
Morgenshtern, recognized as a prominent hip-hop and internet star in the Russian-speaking world, was born in Russia. He gained significant fame through his music and social media presence. After immigrating to Israel under the Law of Return, citing his maternal grandfather's Jewish heritage, he underwent a conversion process that concluded in June 2026, at which point he changed his name to Israel Yehuda Morgenshtern.
Previously, Morgenshtern publicly criticized Victory Day celebrations in former Soviet countries, questioning Russia's focus on historical events. He later faced drug trafficking charges in Russia, prompting his flight to Dubai. In May 2022, he was designated a "foreign agent" by the Russian Ministry of Justice, a decision he unsuccessfully appealed.