The B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem proudly announced today that musician and composer Efi Netzer will receive its special citation for Fostering Israel-Diaspora Relations through the Arts in Memory of Naomi Shemer.

Composer and songwriter Efi Netzer, 90, has shaped Israel’s musical landscape for seven decades. Netzer originated the sing-along phenomenon in Israel and transformed it into a cultural bridge connecting Israel with Jewish communities worldwide. His contributions include creating the vocal ensemble model and introducing it to global Jewry, making him a unifying figure between Israel and the diaspora. In 1967, Netzer performed in Tehran in front of Jews and Israelis, presenting the words “A Night of Roses” in Persian letters. In the 1970s, he taught songs on Kol Israel’s broadcasts to the Diaspora, becoming known to Soviet immigrants before they even set foot in Israel.

On behalf of Keren Hayesod, he performed in Spain, the United States, Mexico and Venezuela. In synagogues in New York and Los Angeles, he heard audiences enthusiastically singing his song “Shiro Shalom al Yisrael” in Hebrew. In Poland, he was moved to hear his song “Shob La Nelech” being performed by cantors in Krakow. In London, alongside singers Shoshana Damari and Yehoram Gaon, he performed at the Independence Day celebrations and even taught Hebrew songs to the youth choir. Through his music, Netzer united the languages, cultures and emotions of Diaspora Jewry with warmth and Israeli solidarity.

The citation, established in 2014, has been presented previously to Nurit Hirsh, David D’Or, Idan Raichel, David Broza, Yehoram Gaon, Shalva Band, Danny Sanderson, Shuli Natan, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Ilanit.

Netzer excitedly acknowledged receiving the award, adding, “In my many appearances as an envoy of the State of Israel in the Diaspora, I brought the Jews in exile to the Land of Israel of today and I brought them the wonderful aroma of our country. This contributed greatly to the strengthening and strengthening of the bond with Diaspora Jewry.”

The citation will be presented July 7 at 19:00 in Mishkenot Sha’ananim, Jerusalem, during the B’nai B’rith World Center Award for Journalism Ceremony, a leading award recognizing excellence in diaspora and Israel-diaspora relations.

To attend the ceremony, please RSVP at etti@bnaibrith.org.

For further information, please contact:

Golan Yossifon, Spokesperson, B’nai B’rith – +972525625135

Alan Schneider, Director, B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem: 02-6251743; 052-5536441