Miki Peled, Founder of Israel's Iconic Festigal, Dies at 87
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Miki Peled, the Israeli producer who founded the Festigal and shaped the country's entertainment scene for over 50 years, died at 87. Born in Romania and immigrating to Israel in 1948, he created major cultural events including the Festigal, which became a beloved Hanukkah tradition. Peled's legacy includes nurturing talent and producing large-scale shows, with his family continuing his work until the brand's sale in 2017.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Miki Peled, founder of Israel's Festigal, died at age 87.
- He immigrated from Romania to Israel in 1948 and began producing in the 1960s.
- Peled launched the first Hasidic Song Festival in 1969 and Festigal in 1981.
- Festigal grew into a major annual Hanukkah event for children across Israel.
- In 2017, Peled's family sold Festigal brands to NMC United for over 120 million shekels.
- His son Yaron praised him as a visionary who inspired many in Israeli entertainment.
Miki Peled, a pioneering Israeli producer and the founder of the Festigal, passed away at the age of 87. Born in Romania in 1939, Peled immigrated to Israel with his family in 1948 and began his entertainment career in the 1960s. In 1969, he established the first Hasidic Song Festival, and in 1981, he launched the inaugural Festigal in Haifa during Hanukkah, which grew into one of Israel's largest and most enduring entertainment events for children and families.
Over more than five decades, Peled produced numerous cultural events and shows, earning a lifetime achievement award from ACUM for his contributions to Israeli culture. The Festigal expanded to multiple cities and evolved from a children's song contest into a major annual production featuring top Israeli music and television stars, elaborate sets, and advanced technology. A related event, "Motek Shel Festigal," was later created for a younger audience.
Peled remained closely involved with the Festigal for over 30 years, eventually partnering with his son Yaron Peled. In 2017, the family sold the Festigal and Motek Shel Festigal brands to NMC United for over 120 million shekels, marking a significant chapter in Peled's career. Yaron Peled remembered his father as more than a producer, highlighting his visionary talent and ability to inspire others.
Miki Peled is survived by his wife Tami, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His funeral will be held tomorrow at Kiryat Shaul Cemetery in Tel Aviv.
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