Israeli Actress Bar Belfer Dies at 37

Israeli actress, musician, and radio personality Bar Belfer has passed away at the age of 37. Her funeral is scheduled for Monday at 11:00 AM at the Manoha Nechona cemetery in Kfar Saba. Her family announced her death with a poignant message: "Our beloved is gone, and the song of her life was cut short."

Belfer first gained recognition at age 17 for her leading role in the 2006 film "Someone to Run With," based on David Grossman's novel. She portrayed Tamar, a young musician searching for her brother in Jerusalem. The film's director, Oded Davidov, and co-stars included Yuval Mendelson, Yonatan Bar-Or, and Tsahi Grad. Belfer was nominated for an Ophir Award for her performance. In a 2007 interview, she recalled almost turning down the role, fearing failure and disappointing others.

Alongside her acting career, Belfer served in the Israel Defense Forces' radio station Galei Tzahal as a reporter and editor. In March 2010, while on duty, she was critically injured in a severe car accident on Ayalon Highway. Her car had stopped due to a malfunction, and she was struck by another vehicle. She sustained multiple systemic injuries and was in a coma for about a month before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Despite her injuries, Belfer gradually returned to professional work. Seven months after the accident, she returned to Galei Tzahal to report. She continued her involvement in music, studying at Rimon School of Music, and in recent years, she hosted a show on Kan Tarbut (Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation's culture channel). Her acting credits also included the Kan 11 horror series "Malach Meshchit" and the film "Don't Forget Me."

She married Shahar in 2018. The ceremony was officiated by musician Yehuda Eder, who had taught her music. The actors' union, Shacham, expressed deep shock and sorrow, remembering her as a talented actress, musician, and creator who left a mark on Israeli cinema and television from a young age. Her agency, Zohar Jacobson, also conveyed condolences, requesting privacy for the grieving family.