Our listeners pick their favorite Israeli songs! This time, we're pleased to introduce you to Breandan Ward of London, who has a very interesting Israeli music journey to share! Breandan grew up on a dairy farm in Ireland and moved to London after college where he worked in investment banking for 10 years before later moving to New York. His first encounter with Hebrew and Judaism happened when he met Israelis during a backpacking trip to Australia in 2002, around the same time as he started losing his sight due to an inherited eye disease. Inspired by both the similarities and tensions of the Irish and Jewish 'clan' mentalities, Breandan started learning Hebrew and Torah, and twenty years on, feels at home in the common experience of joys and sorrows of Israel and the Middle East as expressed through its music. (Original Air Date: June 18, 2023)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1158

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Episode #1158: My Israeli Playlist - Breandan Ward

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Passover is here, and by all accounts, this year's celebration will be a lot different than most years'. Like every year, we'll gather around the seder table with family and friends. But this year, so many will be missing from the table. This year, we'll save empty seats for hostages and for active soldiers, all who SHOULD be joining our seder. We'll also see many empty seats, vacated by the souls we lost on October 7. As Israel remains under attack, our observance of Passover is marked by a strange mix of celebration, frustration, and trepidation. Have we ever experienced Pesach quite like this? As we celebrate Passover 5784 on Israel Hour Radio, sure, we'll share the usual mix of joyous Pesach favorites. But this year, we also include new songs for 5784, with painful reminders of our loved ones who are missing from the table. (Original Air Date: April 21, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1187

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Episode #1187: Why Is This Night Different?

This week, we acknowledge a grim milestone: six months since the October 7 massacre, kidnapping of hostages, and the resulting Operation Swords of Iron. As we watch events unfold, we remain sick with worry for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. At the same time, we stand united in the belief that the State of Israel will emerge from this conflict stronger than before. In expressing a roller coaster of emotions, the music of this conflict has been nothing short of inspiring. This week, a recap of the most significant songs of the past six months, with prayers for a brighter future. (Original Air Date: April 14, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1186

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Episode #1186: Six Months - A Musical Retrospective

With Israel still very much at war, the country's 'new normal' continues to permeate its music. Yes, some of the new music is very raw, very painful, and very powerful. Other songs are as seemingly as mundane as can be, as Israeli music continues to shift onto topics other than the war. Still, nearly every song you hear these days can be interpreted differently due to today's complicated reality. Take, for example, Israel's 2024 Eurovision entry, 'Hurricane.' Even though the song sounds completely 'pareve,' we all know it's about Israel's current state of affairs and the pain so many of us are feeling. You'll hear the song this week, along with many other new releases...all guaranteed to make you think, make you cry, make you smile, and make you connect to Israel on a deeper level. (Original Air Date: March 17, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1185

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Episode #1185: Inside and Outside the Hurricane

So often - especially throughout the current situation in Israel - Israeli music speaks directly to our hearts and evokes a wide range of emotions. This week we'll do the same...but in an overwhelmingly positive tone! Ready to smile? Hatikva 6, Moshe Peretz, Shlomi Shabbat, Lior Narkis, Mosh Ben Ari, Eden Ben Zaken, and many more will take you on a musical journey that's sure to lift your spirits just a bit during this difficult time. As one of our listeners said, 'I don't want this week's show to end!' Tune in and let us know if you agree. (Original Air Date: March 10, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1184

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Episode #1184: Musical Messages of Resilience

Over the last several months, Israel Hour Radio has kept you up to date with the latest Israeli music, born of pain and pride during this time of war. It's reminiscent of another time of war - the Yom Kippur War of 1973. It began 50 years (nearly to the day) before the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, and like our current conflict, Israel was taken by surprise on one of its most sacred days of the year. Israel suffered many losses during that war, and much of the music released the following year reflected that sad reality. So this week on Israel Hour Radio, we bring you the most popular Israeli music of 1974, in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War. No, it's not all sad, and not even all meaningful. In fact, some of the songs you'll hear are just plain fun. But it will help you connect to the mood of Israel in the wake of a very difficult time in its history, and we have a feeling you'll find yourself singing along with many of the nostalgic Israeli songs you'll hear. (Original Air Date: March 3, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1183

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

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Episode #1158: My Israeli Playlist - Breandan Ward

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