Legendary Israeli singer Yafa Yarkoni dies at 86
Yarkoni was known as the singer of Israel’s wars and was one of the most acclaimed artists in the country.
By City Mouse OnlineVenerated Israeli singer Yafa Yarkoni died at the age of 86 at Reut Medical Center in Tel Aviv on Sunday, after years of suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Yarkoni, who was known as the singer of Israel’s wars, entertained Israeli troops beginning in 1948 and was one of Israel’s most acclaimed artists. In 1998, Yarkoni received the Israel Prize for Hebrew song.
Yarkoni leaves behind three daughters, eight grandchildren, and give great-grandchildren. Her funeral date has yet to be decided, but she will be buried beside her late husband, Shaike Yarkoni in Kiryat Shaul cemetery in central Israel.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak issued a statement on Sunday, mourning Yarkoni.
“Yafa Yarkoni has escorted Israel, since its establishment, with her songs and was a symbol of the beautiful, Zionist, and moral Israel,” he said in a statement. “Her songs will accompany the country for many more years to come.”
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni also eulogized Yarkoni, saying that she was one of Israel’s greatest singers of Hebrew song. “She was a synonym to Israeliness, her face and her voice crossed generations of Israelis who were raised on her songs. Yafa Yarkoni was one of the strongest symbols of Zionism – along with other singers of her time she helped shape the soundtrack of the country. Her death is a great loss to Israeli culture. May her memory be blessed.”
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Israeli singer Yafa Yarkoni. |
| Photo by: Moti Kimche |
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Recorded live collection of all her songs @ the Meara in old Jaffa Tel Aviv Israel . Played almost daily on basis period spring 1970 to spring of 1975 almost all her shows for tourists & a lot of generals of Yom Kipour 1973 war .Specially war hero Ariel Sharon and many others ,she was a symbol for Israel leading and entertaining the Israeli armed forces during war and peace times.she was like a true sabra fruit , tough on the outside but sweet on the inside Good by Yafa you will be remembered .
- and blessed be your memory ! Thank you for all your beautiful songs, - they were the true spirit of Eretz Israel !
I had the opportunity of meeting here over 40 years ago when I used to live in Mexico City, she was closer to my family. Her music toached my hart since then' Rest in Peace Yaffa
Ha-Makom yenahem etkhem b'tokh sha ar aveilei Tzion vYerushalayim