Monica Levy, Influential Figure Behind Israeli Rock Band Monica Sex, Passes Away

Monica Levy, former bassist of the Israeli punk-rock band Killer Hot and the woman behind the iconic band Monica Sex, died Monday morning after a long battle with a serious illness. Born in Romania, Levy immigrated to Israel at age six and grew up in Beersheba. She served as an investigator in the Military Police Corps, where she met musicians Yoram Marc-Reich and Yaron Dekel and joined the original lineup of Killer Hot under her maiden name, Monica Friedman. During that time, Marc-Reich gave her the nickname "Monica Sex," which later became her stage name.

Years later, when musicians Yehli Sobol, Peter Roth, and others were forming a new band, Levy’s brother-in-law suggested naming the group after her, leading to the creation of Monica Sex. Levy retired from the music scene after marrying Meir Levy, who also played with the band and later pursued a military career as deputy commander of the Military Police Corps. The couple settled in the town of Omer and raised two sons.

Levy fell ill about four years ago and underwent numerous treatments. She passed away at Hadassah Hospital, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband, two sons, and eighty grandchildren. Her memory is honored by many in the Israeli music community.