Israeli Producer Miki Peled, Icon of Festigal, Dies at 87

Miki Peled, a renowned Israeli producer and artist manager best known for his work on the Festigal and the Hasidic Song Festival, passed away at the age of 87. Peled, a recipient of the ACUM Lifetime Achievement Award, was a towering figure in Israeli culture and entertainment. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the cemetery in Kiryat Shaul.

Television host Tal Mosseri, who frequently performed at Festigal, described Peled as "much more than a producer," calling him "like a father and a friend" who opened the door to Israel's most prestigious stage. Mosseri recalled their last meeting during the recent Festigal, where Peled expressed gratitude for his performances. Despite Peled's illness in recent years, Mosseri said he was deeply saddened by the news of his death.

Other prominent Israeli artists also paid tribute. Oded Paz praised Peled's endless love for his craft and his role in inspiring and supporting young performers. Actor Shy Keshet highlighted Peled's dominant and visionary presence in Israeli culture, noting his transformation of a small office into an empire of achievements. Singer Yardena Arazi recalled performing in the second Festigal in 1982, emphasizing Peled's role in creating a beloved cultural institution that provided quality entertainment for generations and employment for thousands.

Peled's legacy includes countless songs and productions that shaped Israeli music and culture. His family, including his wife Tami, received condolences from the artistic community, who vowed to remember him with love and respect.