What Israeli songs did the hostages ask to hear after their release from two years of captivity? What songs ran through their minds day after day, during their long and painful ordeal? Now that our living hostages are finally home, we've learned a bit more about their experiences: the torture and starvation, yes, but also the songs that gave them strength for more than two years. We shared a few of these songs on a previous show, but thanks to the folks at Kan Gimmel radio, we now have even more information, more firsthand stories, and more significant music. You may never be able to hear these songs in quite the same way again. (Original Air Date: November 9, 2025)

'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here!

https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/vsrkdvuk

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Israel is breathing just a little easier nowadays, and our thriving music industry doesn't miss a beat. The songs on the radio don't ignore the harsh realities of the past two years, but they certainly aren't harping on them either. So, you may ask, what are Israelis listening to, now that war is (sort of) taking a back seat? We got you. This week on Israel Hour Radio, Josh shares the most-played songs on Israeli radio stations nationwide over the past week, featuring several artists never before heard on our show. We're proud to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest in Israeli music! (Original Air Date: October 26, 2025)

'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here!

https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/4evt3e43

Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

THEY'RE HOME. Words we've been waiting to write for more than two years. While of course we know we won't be complete until all of the bodies held by Hamas are back home in Israel, we are breathing easier this week than we've been in a LONG time. Now that our living hostages are reunited with their families, we're beginning to learn the unimaginable details of their captivity. But we're also learning about how they managed to hold on to hope, stay strong, and survive - and for many, MUSIC played a large role. This week on Israel Hour Radio, we share the stories - and the songs - of our heroes. With much gratitude, we're so pleased to share this very emotional episode. (Original Air Date: October 19, 2025)

'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here!

https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5aywbdpm

Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

By the time you hear this podcast, you already know that on October 13, 2025, all living hostages held by Hamas were returned to their families in Israel. But when we recorded this podcast the evening before, we still weren't sure if the deal would hold. Sure, we were optimistic...but couldn't exhale until everyone was safely back home. Under that backdrop, we shared songs of homecoming, hope, optimism, and the promise of a better tomorrow - songs that are even more relevant now that we know THEY'RE FREE. It's hard to believe that our national nightmare is over (though we still pray for the return of 19 murdered hostages), but it is glorious to know that our country can begin to heal from two long, difficult, painful years of war and trauma. (Original Air Date: October 12, 2025)

'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here!

https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/edyxrrby

Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

This week, we observe a excruciating anniversary - two years since the October 7 massacre. Two years of war. Two years of hostages. Two years of heartbreak. BUT - a ray of light is possibly on the horizon, as peace talks were set to begin in Egypt to end the war and free the hostages. While we watch, wait, and hope, we reflect on the emotions of the past two years. From devastation to jubilation...Israelis have experienced it all over the past two years, and it all came alive in some very meaningful Israeli songs. You'll hear some of the most meaningful Israeli music of the past two years, including some brand new songs, recorded specifically for this difficult milestone. Praying for better days ahead. (Original Air Date: October 5, 2025)

'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here!

https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5yt4frp4

Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

Shana Tova from Israel Hour Radio! For our first broadcast of 5786, we continue a long-standing tradition of counting down the most popular songs of the previous year. And in a year full of war, hostages, and stress...most of the songs are surprisingly NOT related to any of those things. Instead, they are ordinary, run of the mill, 'vanilla' songs that, perhaps, were meant to take our minds off of the tense situation in and around Israel. What songs were voted best in 5785? What Israeli songs were YOUR favorites over the course of the year? Take a walk down memory lane with us, and explore the past year in Israeli music! (Original Air Date: September 28, 2025)

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/8t77f49f

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In this final episode of Israel Hour Radio for 5785, we tap into Israel's spiritual side which is so prevalent this time of year. So prevalent, in fact, that ALL of the spiritual songs we're playing are BRAND NEW for the 2025 High Holiday season! We'll look into the deep, moving emotions of this time of year, with wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful, sweet New Year 5786. Shana Tova to all! (Original Air Date: September 21, 2025)

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5526px9e

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James Taylor sang,'Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you've gotr to do is call, and I'll be there, 'cause you've got a friend.' Well, in Israel, there happen to be a lot of people singing about friendship as well...'cause what are we without our friends? This week on Israel Hour Radio, we'll explore friendship in Israeli music - from childhood playmates to brothers in the IDF. Tell us: What Israeli song is like a best friend to you, always there when you need it? (Original Air Date: September 14, 2025)

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/3huxmzvt

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Two years of war. 50 hostages. Disturbing images. Rampant antisemitism. Low public opinion. We're living in very difficult times for the Jewish State, and sometimes, there's little more we can do than pray. Recorded on Tisha B'av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, this week's show kicks off our annual August Chagigot with a show that just feels right for such a painful day: a show devoted to prayer in Israeli music. Whether or not you believe in God, no doubt you believe in a better tomorrow...and these songs yearn for just that. From songs about prayer to lyrics taken right from the Jewish liturgy, these tunes will undoubtedly uplift and inspire you - because it sure feels like we need a little boost of inspiration these days. (Original Air Date: August 3, 2025)

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/32xnu9z8

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Kama cham ba'chutz! Man, it's hot outside! Yup, for most of our listeners, 'tis the season for hot temps, cold drinks, lots of sunblock, and doing literally anything you can to beat the heat. Anyone who's been to Israel this time of year knows well of the brutal, unrelenting heat throughout the country. So it makes sense that there are a lot of songs about summer, heat, and trips to the beach! Can we help you cool off with Israeli music? We'll certainly try, with an hour of Hebrew songs about kayitz (summer) fun in the sun. Stay cool, friends! (Original Air Date: July 27, 2025)

Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/56jjm7w6

Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/