Tel Aviv University Awards Honorary Doctorates to Rachel Shapira and Enrico Macias
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Tel Aviv University awarded honorary doctorates to Israeli poet Rachel Shapira and singer Enrico Macias on Thursday. Shapira was honored for her five-decade contribution to Israeli culture, while Macias was recognized for his global impact on music, peace, and his long-standing support for Israel. Shapira debuted a new verse for her song "Od Yehi Li" at the ceremony, reflecting on wartime hopes and the return of hostages. Macias's award also acknowledged his unique musical style and his consistent advocacy for Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Tel Aviv University awarded honorary doctorates to poet Rachel Shapira and singer Enrico Macias.
- Shapira was honored for her five-decade contribution to Israeli culture and wrote a new song verse.
- Macias was recognized for his global music contributions and support for Israel.
- Shapira's new song verse reflects wartime hopes and the return of hostages.
- Macias has a long history of solidarity visits to Israel since 1967.
- Shapira previously received the President's Award in 2022.
Tel Aviv University bestowed honorary doctorates on Thursday upon Israeli poet and lyricist Rachel Shapira and internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Enrico Macias. Shapira was recognized for her significant contributions to Israeli culture over five decades, with the university senate citing her talent for articulating shared hopes and experiences, and her hundreds of songs that have become integral to Israeli life. Shapira expressed her gratitude, writing a new verse for her famous song "Od Yehi Li" (There Will Be More For Me), which symbolizes constant hope, specifically for the event and the return of hostages. She noted that during wartime performances, she adapted the song's ending to reflect the anxieties and hopes for the captives, soldiers, and civilians, turning the song into a "return diary."
Macias received his honorary doctorate for his contributions to global culture and the promotion of peace and brotherhood through music, as well as his deep and ongoing connection to Israel. His career of over sixty years blends Andalusian, North African, and French musical traditions, creating a unique language that bridges audiences, cultures, and religions. The senate also highlighted his inspiring life journey from an immigrant in Algeria to a star in France and an internationally renowned artist. Macias's consistent public support for Israel and the IDF over decades was also emphasized, noting his numerous solidarity visits to Israel since 1967, for which he received an award from the Ministry of Defense.
This is not the first major honor for Shapira; in 2022, she received the "President's Award" from Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog.