Eyal Golan

Biography

Eyal Golan, born in Rehovot to a Yemenite-Moroccan family, is one of the biggest voices of Israeli Mediterranean music (מוזיקה מזרחית) — the style that grew from neighbourhood weddings and cassette stalls into the mainstream sound of Israeli radio.

Am Yisrael Chai was released after October 7th, 2023, written by Avi Ohayon and Ofir Cohen. It became an instant national song: sung at rallies, hostage-return ceremonies, army bases and school assemblies, and streamed millions of times in its first weeks.

The lyrics weave everyday Hebrew with liturgy — הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא, הַתִּקְוָה בַּת שְׁנוֹת אַלְפַּיִם — which makes it a rich first song for learners: modern spoken Hebrew alongside phrases that come straight out of the prayer book and Hatikvah.

His career has also been marked by controversy: in 2013 Golan was investigated in a widely covered affair involving sexual relations with underage girls. The case was closed in 2014 for lack of evidence and he was never charged, but the affair remains part of the public debate around him in Israel.

Quick facts

Released

2023, after October 7th

Written by

Avi Ohayon & Ofir Cohen

Style

Israeli Mediterranean pop (מזרחית)

Songs by Eyal Golan with Hebrew lyrics

• Am Yisrael ChaiThe People of Israel Live · 2023

Culture quiz: Eyal Golan & Israel

Test what you know about Eyal Golan, the song's Hebrew words and Israeli culture.