Israeli singer Naomi Shemer honored 20 years after her death – Israel Culture
Naomi Shemer, Israel’s “First Lady of Songwriting,” will be honored with numerous celebrations in the coming weeks to mark the 20th anniversary of her death.
Shemer, who died in 2004 at the age of 73, wrote some of the Great Israeli Songbook’s most timelessly popular songs, including “Haderech Aruka Vehee Rabba” (The Long Way), “Od Lo Ahavti Dai” (I Have Not Loved Enough) and “Ani Gitara” (I Am a Guitar).
Her songs – she often wrote the lyrics and music – have been performed by many famous Israeli singers, including Yehoram Gaon, Yossi Banai, Chava Alberstein and Arik Einstein. But perhaps her most famous work is “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” (Jerusalem of Gold), which was premiered by Shuli Natan in Jerusalem in 1967, just three weeks before the Six-Day War.
The timelessness and broad appeal of much of their oeuvre is reflected in the program of the show on June 25 (8:30 p.m.) at the National Library in Jerusalem. The artists include 44-year-old singer-songwriter Rona Kenan, 42-year-old singer-songwriter Yuval Medelssohn, 36-year-old singer-songwriter Avigail Kovari, and 48-year-old singer-songwriter Amir Benayoun, who is fond of Mizrachi music.
The musical program will be enriched by the appearance of Shemer’s daughter Lali, who will entertain the audience with exciting and entertaining stories about her famous mother. “She was a very honest and sincere person,” noted the younger Shemer.
That meant her mother stuck to her guns, regardless of the personal and professional cost. “She was a feminist, even if she wasn’t a flag-waver. She was an interesting and brave person. I think maybe that’s why she and her songs are still relevant today, 20 years later.” And let’s not forget: Naomi Shemer made it in a male-dominated music industry and – at times – as a single mother, with all the complex logistics that entailed.
Remembering Shemer, years after her death
That’s thanks in part to the younger Shemer’s efforts over the years. “I’m concerned with her legacy,” she explained. “But I don’t take it for granted that she’s still popular. That’s surprising. I’m a little sad that she’s not around today to see that for herself.”
Of course, one can understand how much it hurts Lalis not to have her mother with her anymore, but she has left us a rich body of work that is thoroughly entertaining and moving and that we can enjoy for many years to come.
It is probably reassuring to know that Naomi Shemer was also commercially successful during her lifetime and was also showered with official recognition, including the Israel Prize.
Over the years, Shemer’s songs have not only been played more frequently on the radio, they have also become popular for sing-alongs and community songs, which Lali sees as a testament to the user-friendly aspect that her mother incorporated into her charts. “These are folk songs, some of which are very complex. But ultimately, they are songs that should be sung by anyone and everyone.”
Shemer’s son, musician Ariel Horowitz, will also honor his mother in a show called Shemer 24 Sisters, which will be performed across the country. He will be accompanied by artists Chava Alberstein, Dikla, Hanan Yovel, Danny Robas and Miki Kam. The name Shemer 24 Sisters is a nod to the groundbreaking women’s group that Shemer founded in the mid-1960s.
Horowitz will join the talented singers to provide insight into the personal stories behind his mother’s songs.
The show premieres on July 21 at Beit Lessin in Tel Aviv.
Tickets and further information: https://book-week.nli.org.il/ and il.co.kupat://2207.https/
Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.
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