Soundtracks for This Time

Music has always been an essential component of the commemoration of Yom Hazikaron and the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut. But this year, in the seven months since the tragedy of October 7 and the ensuing war, the Israeli music scene has been dominated by songs that cannot escape the shadow of current events.

There are many powerful songs to listen to this year leading up to Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, and beyond. The iCenter has crafted three new playlists that we hope you find meaningful and enjoy. In addition, the following are some of our favorite recent songs, along with their lyrics.

For more playlists, please visit our resource Israeli Music Playlists

BAMAKOM BO ANI GAR (במקום בו אני גר) | THE PLACE WHERE I LIVE

This song by Jimbo J, part of his new album, depicts both the blessings and challenges of living in Israel, and specifically in the Gaza Envelope. It does so with an upbeat style and rhyming, and a catchy chorus, almost “hiding” impactful and meaningful lyrics. Ironically, the song was written prior to October 7, after which the lyrics bear a much stronger, chilling meaning.

Lyrics

CHOREF 23 (חורף 23) | WINTER 23

“Choref 23” (״חורף 23״) came out on October 22, less than two weeks after the October 7 massacres. It describes feelings many Israelis felt during the attack and still feel today.

Lyrics

U’ME’POH NAKUM (ומפה נקום) | AND FROM HERE WE WILL RISE

“U’me’poh Nakum” (״ומפה נקום״) is a song of hope that nostalgically describes mundane life in Israel before the war and a hope to return to it and “rise” again.

Lyrics