Ofra Haza

Biography

Ofra Haza (1957–2000) was born in Hatikva Quarter, Tel Aviv, the youngest of nine children in a Yemenite-Jewish family. She began in Bezalel Aloni's neighborhood theater troupe and became, within a decade, the biggest star Israeli music had ever exported.

Her voice fused Yemenite liturgical ornamentation with modern pop production. 'Im Nin'alu' (1988) turned a 17th-century poem by Rabbi Shalom Shabazi into an international club hit, and her album 'Yemenite Songs' introduced Middle Eastern Jewish tradition to a global audience.

She represented Israel at Eurovision 1983 with 'Chai' ('Alive'), finishing second — the song became an anthem of Jewish survival. She later sang on soundtracks (The Prince of Egypt) and collaborated with international artists from Sisters of Mercy to Paula Abdul.

'Goral Echad', from the album 'Adama', belongs to her Hebrew heartland repertoire: quieter songs about land, roots and return that Israelis still play on Memorial Day and Independence Day. Her death in 2000 was mourned as a national loss.

Quick facts

This song

'Goral Echad', album 'Adama' (1984/85)

Words

Tzafnat Yaron-Levi

Music

Shem Tov Levi

Known for

'Im Nin'alu', 'Chai', Yemenite Songs

Songs by Ofra Haza with Hebrew lyrics

• Goral EchadOne Fate · 1984

Culture quiz: Ofra Haza & Israel

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