Saying goodbye to an Israeli legend

A few weeks ago, on November 26, Israelis said goodbye to one of the greatest artists Israel has ever known, Arik Einstein (see obituary in the Dec. 6 issue of The Voice). Einstein, 74, Israeli singer, songwriter and actor, died and left the people of Israel with tears in their eyes.

Arik Einstein songs: “Ani Ve’ata” (You and I), “Sa le’at” (Drive Slowly), “Oof Gozal” (Fly Away, Little Bird), “Atur Mitzchech” (Your Forehead Is Decorated) and many more, became the soundtrack of the Israeli nation.

Many public figures in Israel such as Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, expressed sorrow after Einstein’s death, stating, “Arik was the greatest of them all. We all grew up on his songs. You said, ‘Arik Einstein,’ and you said, ‘the Land of Israel.’ He was a wonderful singer and a wonderful person.”

President Shimon Peres said that Einstein’s, “musical notes will continue to fill the country, even after his passing. He equally excited our first generations and young generations. He wrote his songs during our difficult days and during our uplifting moments. I loved his songs, and knew what many others know: there was no one else like him.”

I didn’t personally know Arik Einstein. Most Israelis didn’t either. He wasn’t a star that was looking to make money every day of his life. He was a pure musician, an artist that has created his songs with passion and love to music. But all Israelis knew his songs, watched the movies he was in, waited for years, hoping he will perform again (he stopped performing in the 80s).

I grew up listening to his music. From his kid’s music CDs to his current songs. I loved them all. I would never forget my elementary school graduation when my entire grade sang his song “Oof Gozal.” The song is about a young bird that leaves the nest for the first time. High school, army, traveling all over the world – Einstein’s songs were always there for me.

I heard the news about his death while driving to one of the schools in the community. I was really upset. I realized how big an impact Einstein songs had on my childhood and on my life. I opened my Israeli radio app and listened to “Galgalatz” (popular Israeli radio station). They were playing his songs all day long as a tribute. I called my brother and asked, “What happened?” and he answered, “Today, we lost a legend.” On Facebook, all my friends had written posts for his memory. Everyone wanted to say goodbye in their own way. So, goodbye, Arik Einstein.  And thank you!

Arik Einstein was buried in Trumpeldor Cemetery in Tel Aviv. Prior to the funeral, his body lay in state in Rabin Square, where thousands gathered to pay their respect.

Matan Graff (MGraf@jewishallianceri.org) is Israel’s Shaliach (Emissary) to Rhode Island.