Posthumous Album for Israeli Legend

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Crossposted from Haaretz
Nearly six years after his death at the age of 73, the multitalented performer Yossi Banai remains an icon of Israeli culture. Next month will see the release of the album the writer, actor, singer and dramatist was working on when he died, in May 2006.
The album, “Old Songs,” consists of Banai’s words, set to music composed and performed by some of Israel’s best-known musicians. The first single, performed by Berry Sakharof, will reach radio stations on Wednesday.
Banai’s collaborators on the album included a son, Yuval Banai, and a nephew, Ehud Banai. “Old Songs” was completed after Banai’s family, including his widow, Aviva, gave their blessing to the Helicon recording company.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
