Israel’s ‘War Singer’ Yaffa Yarkoni dies at 86

Israeli singer Yaffa Yarkoni, who entertained Israeli troops for decades beginning in 1948, has died.

Yaffa Yarkoni

Yarkoni was called Israel’s “War Singer” for her performances for Israeli troops, beginning with the War for Independence, when she was drafted into the army and joined a military band.

She recorded hundreds of songs during her long career. Yarkoni was awarded the Israel Prize for her contributions to Hebrew music.

Her criticism of the Israeli military in 2002 led to the cancellation of a tribute event.

In a letter of condolence to the singer’s family, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote, “Yaffa Yarkoni’s songs were the soundtrack of Israel from its pre-state days through the establishment of the state until our time. We will all miss her special voice and today, in keeping with her song ‘Don’t Say Goodbye To Me,’ we take our leave from her but not from the musical and cultural heritage that she has left behind.” — jta