Israeli music stars died at age 66
Here are 9 famous musicians from Israel died at 66:
Amir Gilboa
Amir Gilboa (September 25, 1917 Ukraine-April 5, 1984) was an Israeli personality.
He was a writer, poet, and journalist, and a prominent figure in Israel's cultural scene in the mid-20th century. Gilboa immigrated to Israel with his family in 1924 and grew up on a kibbutz. He studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and later served in the Jewish Brigade during WWII. Gilboa's literary works are known for their directness, simplicity, and honesty, often dealing with universal themes such as love, death, and the human condition. Additionally, he was an influential commentator on current events and social issues, writing numerous essays and editorials for major Israeli newspapers. Gilboa was awarded several literary prizes during his lifetime, including the Brenner Prize and the Israel Prize for Literature.
He authored numerous works, including poetry collections, children's books, and prose. One of his most famous works is the book, "The Silver Platter," a collection of poetry that describes, among other things, life on the kibbutz, the War of Independence, and the establishment of the State of Israel. Gilboa was also a gifted translator and is credited with bringing the works of many famous poets, such as Pablo Neruda and Federico Garcia Lorca, into Hebrew. In addition to his writing, Gilboa was a prominent social activist, advocating for peace, equality, and social justice. He was an active member of the Israeli peace movement and frequently participated in protests and demonstrations throughout his life. Gilboa's legacy as a cultural figure in Israel is still celebrated today, and his works continue to be studied and admired.
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Alexander Penn
Alexander Penn (February 1, 1906 Nizhnekolymsk-April 20, 1972) was an Israeli personality.
He was a prominent actor, singer, songwriter, and playwright who made significant contributions to Israeli arts and culture. After immigrating to Mandatory Palestine, Penn began his career as a playwright and songwriter for the Haganah theaters. His plays were known for their humor, satire, and social commentary, and many were performed throughout Israel and beyond.
In addition to his work as a playwright, Penn also acted in various films and television shows. He was renowned for playing comedic roles that showcased his wit and charm. He also sang and wrote songs, many of which became Israeli classics, such as "Hora Mamtera" and "Erev Shel Shoshanim."
Penn was a recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to Israeli culture, including the Israel Prize for Theater in 1969. In addition to his work in the arts, Penn was also active in political and social causes, including advocating for the creation of the state of Israel and supporting the rights of Mizrahi Jews. He remains a beloved figure in Israeli culture to this day.
Penn was born to a Jewish family in the town of Nizhnekolymsk in Russia. He grew up in difficult circumstances, his family struggling financially and being targeted by anti-Semitic laws. In 1917, the family fled to China, where they lived for several years before moving to Manila in the Philippines. In 1920, they immigrated to Palestine, where Penn began his artistic journey.
Penn's influence on Israeli culture extended beyond his own works. He was known for his generous support of young artists, helping many launch their careers. He also co-founded the Israeli Association of Writers and Composers and served as its chairman from 1954 to 1957. The association provided a platform for Israeli artists to showcase their work and helped shape Israeli culture in its formative years.
Penn's legacy continues to inspire generations of Israeli artists, and his plays and songs remain popular today. In 2006, a street in Tel Aviv was named after him in honor of his contributions to Israeli culture.
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Yisrael Poliakov
Yisrael Poliakov (July 7, 1941 Jerusalem-October 30, 2007 Petah Tikva) a.k.a. Israel Poliakov, Yisrael "Poli" Poliakov or Poli was an Israeli comedian and actor. He had two children, Yael Poliakov and Itamar Poliakov.
Poliakov rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with his appearances on various Israeli television programs and his unique style of humor, which often poked fun at Israeli society and politics. In addition to his work as a comedian, Poliakov also acted in a number of films and TV shows, including the popular Israeli series "Me'uchedet" and the film "The Delta Force." He was also known for his work as a voice actor, lending his voice to several popular Israeli children's shows. Poliakov was widely regarded as one of the most influential comedians in Israeli history, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of Israeli comedians.
Poliakov grew up in a poor family in Jerusalem and had to work from an early age to support his family. He began his career as a coffeehouse performer, playing guitar, singing, and telling jokes. He got his start in TV in the early 1970s, when he was recruited to appear on a new comedy show called "Nikui Rosh" (Head Cleaning), which quickly became a hit. Poliakov became one of the show's stars and gained a large following, particularly among young people.
Poliakov's humor was often irreverent and satirical, but it had a warmth and sincerity that endeared him to audiences. His most famous character was probably "Mr. Cohen," a bumbling, hapless individual who always seemed to get himself into ridiculous situations. Poliakov was also known for his impressions of politicians and other public figures, including Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Defense Minister Ariel Sharon.
Poliakov received numerous awards for his work as a comedian, including the Israel Prize in 1995, the country's highest honor. He was also a frequent guest on Israeli talk shows and was frequently asked to provide commentary on current events. Despite his success, Poliakov remained grounded and committed to his roots. He was known for his generosity and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others in need.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Poliakov was also a devoted family man. He married his wife, Rachel, in 1963, and they remained married until his death in 2007. Poliakov is remembered as a talented performer, a beloved figure in Israeli culture, and a true mensch.
He died in cancer.
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Moshe Dayan
Moshe Dayan (May 20, 1915 Degania Alef-October 16, 1981 Tel Aviv) was an Israeli politician and military officer. He had three children, Yael Dayan, Assi Dayan and Ehud Dayan.
Dayan was born in the Kibbutz of Degania Alef, which was founded by his parents, who were among the first Jewish pioneers in Palestine. He later became a member of the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization, and played a key role in several military operations during Israel's War of Independence.
Dayan went on to serve as the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and as Israel's Minister of Defense, where he oversaw the capture of the Sinai Peninsula during the Six-Day War in 1967. He also played a role in negotiating the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty in 1979.
Aside from his military career, Dayan was also a prominent figure in Israeli politics, serving as a member of Knesset for the Labor Party and later for the Likud Party. He was known for his distinctive eye patch, which he wore after losing his eye in a battle in the 1940s.
Dayan was a controversial figure in Israeli history, with some viewing him as a hero and others criticizing him for his role in the displacement of Palestinian refugees during the creation of Israel. Nevertheless, he remains an important figure in Israeli history and is remembered as one of the country's most iconic military and political leaders.
In addition to his military and political career, Moshe Dayan was also a respected archaeologist. He had a passion for history and archaeology, and even took a break from his military career to study archaeology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Dayan also led several archaeological expeditions throughout his career and was involved in the excavation of historic sites in Israel, including the ancient city of Beit Shean.
Dayan was also a prolific writer, and his memoirs "Story of My Life" and "Diary of the Sinai Campaign" are considered to be major works in Israeli literature. He was also a skilled poet and wrote several poems throughout his life.
Following his death in 1981, Dayan was honored with a state funeral, and his grave on the Kinneret is a popular tourist destination in Israel. He is well-regarded as one of the most influential figures in Israeli history and played a crucial role in shaping the country's identity and military strategy.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Gideon Mer
Gideon Mer (April 5, 1894 Lithuania-March 22, 1961) was an Israeli personality. He had one child, Arna Mer-Khamis.
Gideon Mer was a Zionist activist, politician, and businessman. He was one of the founders of the Histadrut Trade Union and served as the director-general of the Jewish National Fund. As a member of the Histadrut's executive committee, he played a role in establishing the state of Israel and helped create the Israeli labor movement.
Mer was also a member of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, from 1949 to 1955 as a member of the Mapai party. He was known for his progressive views on social and economic issues and was a strong advocate for workers' rights.
In addition to his political and social activism, Mer was a successful businessman. He founded the Israel Discount Bank and served as its first chairman.
After his death, his daughter Arna Mer-Khamis continued his legacy as a prominent Israeli activist and founder of the Freedom Theatre in Jenin, Palestine.
Mer was born in Raseiniai, Lithuania on April 5, 1894, and immigrated to Palestine with his family in 1906. He grew up in Tel Aviv and was actively involved in the Zionist movement from a young age. In addition to his political and business activities, Mer was a philanthropist who supported various causes, including education and the arts.
During World War II, Mer was involved in efforts to rescue Jewish refugees from Europe and bring them to Palestine. He also played a key role in negotiating the sale of the Dead Sea Works to the Israeli government in the 1950s.
Mer was widely respected for his dedication to social justice and his commitment to building a strong and prosperous Israel. He passed away on March 22, 1961, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service to his country and his people.
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Yosef Tekoah
Yosef Tekoah (March 4, 1925 Lyakhavichy District-April 14, 1991 New York City) also known as Yosef Tukaczynski or Tekoah was an Israeli diplomat.
Tekoah served as Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1967 to 1971. During his tenure, he was known for his staunch defense of Israel's actions and policies, particularly during the Six-Day War and the subsequent occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. He was also instrumental in securing Israel's admission to the United Nations in 1949. In addition to his diplomatic career, Tekoah was a prolific writer and lecturer on Middle Eastern affairs. After leaving the UN, he served as the director of the Israel Broadcasting Authority until his death in 1991.
Prior to his diplomatic career, Yosef Tekoah was an intelligence officer in the Palmach, the elite fighting force of the Haganah, during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. He later joined the Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, where he worked on various covert operations. In 1958, he was appointed as the head of the Arab Division of the Mossad, which was responsible for gathering intelligence on Arab countries and organizations.
During his time as Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Tekoah was involved in several high-profile incidents, including a heated exchange with the Soviet Union's representative during a session on the Middle East. He was also instrumental in the passage of Resolution 242, which called for Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied during the Six-Day War in exchange for recognition and peace with its Arab neighbors.
In addition to his diplomatic and intelligence work, Tekoah was a professor of Arabic language and literature at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He wrote several books, including "The Arabs in Israel" and "Days of Destruction: The Six-Day War and Its Aftermath," as well as numerous articles on Israel, the Middle East, and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
After his death, Tekoah was posthumously awarded the Israel Prize for his contributions to the state and society of Israel.
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Jerrold Kessel
Jerrold Kessel (March 3, 1944 South Africa-February 24, 2011) a.k.a. Yoram Jerrold Kessel was an Israeli journalist, television producer, author, cricketer and editor.
Jerrold Kessel was the son of South African parents and migrated to Israel in 1965. He began his career as a journalist covering the Middle East conflict for the South African Press Association in Johannesburg. Later, he became a producer for foreign TV networks including CBS, ABC, NBC, and CNN. He was well-known for his reporting on the Gulf War, Israel-Palestinian conflict, and Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. He also authored three books, including "My Israel: An Israeli's Own Story," which chronicled his personal journey as an immigrant in Israel. In addition, Kessel was a passionate cricketer and even played for Israel's national cricket team in the 1980s. He was greatly respected and remembered for his journalism ethics and unbiased reporting.
Despite battling cancer, Jerrold Kessel continued to work as a journalist and remained active in the field until the end of his life. He won numerous awards for his contributions to journalism, including the Israel Prize for Communication in 2005. Kessel's legacy as a journalist and author continues to inspire future generations of journalists. In recognition of his achievements, the Jerrold Kessel Memorial Prize for Excellence in Journalism was established in his honor. Jerrold Kessel's contributions to journalism have left a lasting impact, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greats in his field.
He died caused by cancer.
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Ya'akov Yosef
Ya'akov Yosef (October 18, 1946 Jerusalem-April 12, 2013 Jerusalem) was an Israeli rabbi and politician.
Ya'akov Yosef was the son of prominent Israeli rabbi and political leader Ovadia Yosef. He followed in his father's footsteps and specialized in Jewish law (halakha), becoming a respected authority in the field. He served as a judge on the rabbinical courts and also held political positions, including as a member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) for the Shas party. Throughout his career, he sought to promote traditional Jewish values and strengthen the role of the religious establishment in Israeli society. Despite his conservative views, he was known for being open to dialogue and cooperation with secular Israelis, and was respected by individuals from across the political spectrum.
During his time as a member of the Knesset, Ya'akov Yosef worked to increase funding for Jewish religious schools and institutes, and was a vocal opponent of efforts to increase the draft age for ultra-Orthodox Jews. He was also known for his work in promoting outreach to non-religious Jews, and encouraged greater understanding and cooperation between different Jewish communities. In addition to his political and legal work, Yosef was also a prolific author, publishing a number of books on Jewish law as well as memoirs and autobiographical works. His contributions to Israeli society and the Jewish community have been widely recognized, and he is remembered as a powerful voice for tradition and morality.
He died as a result of cancer.
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Sefi Rivlin
Sefi Rivlin (November 7, 1947 Rishon LeZion-December 3, 2013 Ramat Gan) also known as Seffy Rivlin or Sefi Rivlin was an Israeli actor.
Throughout his career, Sefi Rivlin was a prominent figure in the Israeli film and theater industry. He graduated from the Beit Zvi School of Performing Arts, which led to his initial roles in stage productions and small roles in Israeli films. Rivlin's talent and unique personality quickly gained attention, and he became a well-known face on Israeli TV screens. He starred in several popular Israeli television series, including "Sallah Shabati" and "Parashat Hashavua," and hosted a prime-time talk show.
In addition to his work in film and television, Rivlin was also a distinguished theater actor. He had a deep love and respect for the theater and performed in plays both in Israel and abroad. One of his most notable performances was in the stage production of "The Servant of Two Masters" at the Habima National Theater.
Rivlin was also known for his activism and outspokenness about social and political issues in Israel. He was a proud Mizrahi Jew and often spoke out against discrimination and racism towards Mizrahi Jews in Israeli society. He was also an advocate for peace between Israelis and Palestinians and was actively involved in peace organizations and initiatives.
Sefi Rivlin passed away in 2013 at the age of 66 from complications related to cancer. He is remembered as a talented actor, a passionate activist, and a beloved figure in Israeli culture.
In addition to his successful career in entertainment and activism, Sefi Rivlin was a devoted family man. He was married to Batya, who is also a well-known actress, and they had two daughters together. One of his daughters, Rotem, followed in her parents' footsteps and became an actress as well. Despite his success, Rivlin remained humble and grounded in his personal life, and was known for his warmth and kindness towards others. In 2014, a year after his death, the Sefi Rivlin Memorial Prize was established in his honor. The prize is awarded annually to an outstanding actor or actress in Israel who demonstrates exceptional talent and dedication to the craft of acting. His legacy continues to live on in the Israeli entertainment industry and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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