Iconic Israeli Song Festival Celebrated in One-Night Tribute Show

The "Festival of Song and Verse," once a major cultural event in Israel that captivated the nation, is being revived for a special one-night tribute performance. This festival, which predated modern music reality shows, was instrumental in creating many of the songs that have become deeply ingrained in Israeli life.

The celebratory event will take place on December 1, 2026, at the Tel Aviv Culture Hall. It will feature prominent singers from Hebrew music, including Yehoram Gaon, Ilanit, Aviv Toledano, Yizhar Cohen, Miri Aloni, and Shuli Natan, among others. Yehoram Gaon, a veteran of the original festivals, will host the evening, perform, and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Ilanit is set to appear as a special guest. Other performers will include Ilana Avital, Dafna Armoni, Natan Slor, Silvan, Yair, the Sexta band, and Irit Dotan. Some original performers of the festival's signature songs will also be present.

Among the classic songs slated for performance are "Avivni," "Born for Peace," "Therese de Mon's Love," "On the Way Back," "Song for a Holiday Eve," and "You." The tribute aims to recreate the atmosphere of the festival's heyday, incorporating archival footage and rare photographs from the original broadcasts on Channel 1, which were significant national viewing events.

Additionally, two posthumous honors will be presented to individuals who were crucial to the festival's success behind the scenes. Hanoch Hasson, 95, who served as the director of Kol Israel's music department and Channel 1's entertainment department, will be recognized for his extensive work editing and producing most of the festivals. Efi Netzer, 92, will be honored for leading public singing during vote counts at many festivals and for composing "Ballad for a Soldier," which won the festival in 1969. Vered Piker is responsible for the musical arrangements and direction, Yuval Niv is editing the show, and the producer is producing it.