The pain of Yom Hazikaron - Israel's Memorial Day - has always been very real and very raw, affecting nearly every home in Israel in some way. But this year, it just feels different. The sad songs take on new meaning. The painful stories are just too numerous. And just this week, we buried more soldiers as part of our 77+ year struggle for existence. Although EVERY day can feel like Yom Hazikaron in Israel, this year hits differently. Join us on Israel Hour Radio as we honor the memories of those we've lost in war, in terror, and in the Holocaust, and begin this solemn day by connecting to our national pain in song. (Original Air Date: April 27, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/2kw44772 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join our new Facebook Group - Only In Israel: Everyday Magic: https://www.facebook.com/groups/israelimagic Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Passover is upon us once again. And once again, this year's observance includes equal parts celebration and desperation. As we celebrate the Jewish holiday of freedom, we can't help but think of the 59 hostages who are not at all free. We think of the men and women of the IDF who will not be at their families' seder tables this year. We remember those who have lost their lives since last Pesach, as well as ALL those missing from the seder table. So this week on Israel Hour Radio, yes, we'll celebrate with lots of joyous Pesach music...but we'll also reflect on the unique nature of yet another post-October 7th Passover. (Original Air Date: April 6, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5ch6wsep 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/

It seems like everywhere you go in Israel these days, you constantly hear the word 'Amen'. 'May we hear good news!' 'Amen!' 'Wishing your son success and safety in the IDF!' 'Amen!' This is not, of course, a new phenomenon. 'Amen' is a word that often comes up in Israeli music as well. Off the top of your head, many of you can likely come up with a few right off the bat. Well, if you can think it, we're playing it today. Enjoy 60 minutes of positive, uplifting Israeli music, all centered around that powerful word, 'Amen.' May today's show be uplifting and entertaining! And let us say, 'Amen.' (Original Air Date: March 30, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/2zrxw5sb 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/

As war, protests, political disputes, and daily rocket fire continue in our homeland, Israel's entertainment scene continues to thrive. Maybe that's one reason why we continue to be ranked among the happiest countries in the world! Today, we're proud to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest in Israeli music, with the songs blaring on radios and Spotify playlists throughout the country. You'll hear new tunes from Shlomo Artzi, Rita, Subliminal v'HaTzel, Itay Levy, an AMAZING new song by Idan Raichel, and much more! Tune in, and maybe discover a new favorite song today on Israel Hour Radio! (Original Air Date: March 23, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/3s36xc3w 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/

Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to present Israel's official entry to Eurovision 2025, "New Day Will Rise" by Yuval Rafael. And while we're at it, it's been a while since we've done an hour of Israeli Eurovision songs, so let's do that today, shall we? But this time, we're going to skip the beloved Israeli classics from the 70s and 80s, focusing instead on our entries over the past 25 years, since 2000. With a lot of big hits and even a few misses, you're sure to hear some songs you haven't heard in a while...for better or for worse. What's your all-time favorite Israeli Eurovision entry? Your least favorite? Tell us via WhatsApp at +1-732-844-9778. (Original Air Date: March 16, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/mpek3ht7 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/

We all know - all too well - that the past 17 months have been painful and emotional to say the least. But with Purim on the way, it's a good time to allow ourselves to smile and laugh. Purim reminds us that sometimes, when life looks as dark as can be, the most incredible miracles suddenly come to life. That things are not always what they seem. That life can change dramatically at the drop of a hat. So this Purim, we're giving ourselves permission to LAUGH by sharing humorous Israeli songs along with some great Israel-related stand-up comedy. Join us for a fun hour, and be prepared to leave happy! (Original Air Date: March 9, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/mry8wyyj 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/

The news cycle has so many ups and downs these days, that it can be hard to remember the specific highs and lows. Back on February 8, 2025, Hamas released three hostages: Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy. Sure, we were overjoyed that they were back home with their families, but we felt downright sick upon seeing their emaciated bodies and pained expressions. As we try to process these emotions...it's suddenly time to go on the air. What could we possibly play during a time like this? Well, songs about family seemed especially appropriate. At a time when family means more than ever, let's hold our loved ones close and get ready for a variety of Israeli songs about our fathers, mothers, siblings, children, even aunts and uncles. Then, take a breath and await tomorrow's news. (Original Air Date: February 9, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://shorturl.at/mxCqk 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/

Ready to go back to the year of "We Are the World", New Coke, Live Aid...and a heck of a lot of amazing Israeli music? Buckle your seatbelts, 'cuz we're going back FORTY years...all the way to 1985! In the midst of today's period of sadness, emotion, and national trauma, we need a week of upbeat music...and the Israeli music of 1985 sure fit the bill. If you're a fan of Ofra Haza, Yardena Arazi, Meir Banai, Ilanit, Shalom Hanoch, and many more....you'll LOVE this week's playlist! You'll hear some true Israeli classics, and you just might find yourself singing along with song after song! (Original Air Date: February 2, 2025) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1218 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/

We've had a big 30th anniversary celebration, devoted a show to 'counting down' to the new year, and celebrated our first hostages coming home. So what haven't we done lately? Share new Israeli music. Well, let's rectify that today, shall we? This week, we present the most popular Israeli songs of the past few weeks, many of which reflect the challenging times in which we continue to find ourselves. You'll hear songs of joy over the release of hostages, songs of survival during these difficult times, and of course, plain ol' Israeli love songs. We'll also meet Yuval Refael, Israel's brave representative to Eurovision 2025. All in all, an emotional, inspirational, entertaining, and uplifting musical experience. Don't miss it! (Original Air Date: January 26, 2025) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1217 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/

The day we recorded this podcast was a pivotal day in the State of Israel. After 471 days in captivity, the first Israeli hostages were finally released from the dungeons of Gaza - and Emily, Doron, and Romi were finally on their way home. With the freedom of our hostages, and the simultaneous release of countless terrorists, it was an emotional day, to say the least. There was little we could do but play songs about 'home', amidst tears and smiles over the powerful images we were watching on TV. With wishes for more good news, we present to you an hour of music that part prayer, part celebration. (Original Air Date: January 19, 2025) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1216 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/

Happy New Year! For our first official show of 2025, let's do something light and fun for a change. Have you ever noticed how many Israeli songs have numbers in their titles? Well, one of our listeners decided to create a massive spreadsheet with all of the 'number songs' he could find. So this week, we present a unique hour of 'countdown' songs...all songs featuring numbers in their titles! From ten to one, we'll play songs to help ring in 2025 in style. A huge thanks to our friend Rich for making this possible. Celebrate with us on Israel Hour Radio! (Original Air Date: January 12, 2025) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1215 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/

An episode 30 years in the making! On Chanukah 1994, Josh Shron and his then-girlfriend (now wife) Mairov Dubrovsky wandered into the WRSU Studios as Rutgers University students, and began their radio careers by playing 'Hora' by Avi Toledano. That episode flourished into a full fledged obsession over Israel and its culture, and Josh hasn't looked back. This week, Mairov and Josh are BACK where it all began 30 years ago, at WRSU Studios, for their official 30th anniversary celebration! We have a LOT of memories to share...so join the party, reminisce with us, listen to some great Chanukah music, and celebrate this exciting milestone in Israel Hour history! (Original Air Date: December 29, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1214 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/

It's week 2 of Josh's 30th anniversary celebration, in which he plays back his favorite songs from each of his 30 years on Israel Hour Radio! This week, enjoy a fun playlist of Josh's favorites from 2010 through 2024, including many now-classic songs guaranteed to get you singing along. In his 30 years on the air, Josh has celebrated Israel through music and culture, amassing a large following of English speakers who share his passion for our homeland. All month long, Josh celebrates 30 years at the helm of Israel Hour Radio, by looking back at some of the memorable moments along the way. Join us for a second week of fun and musical memories! (Original Air Date: December 8, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1213 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/

On Sunday, December 4, 1994, Josh Shron walked into the studios of WRSU Radio, cracked open the microphone, and never looked back. Ever since, he's celebrated Israel through music and culture, amassing a large following of English speakers who share his passion for our homeland. All month long, Josh celebrates 30 years at the helm of Israel Hour Radio, by looking back at some of the memorable moments along the way. Beginning this week, Josh plays some of his favorite Israeli songs from each of the 30 years he's been on the air, starting off this week with his favorite songs from 1994 to 2009. Join us for a fun walk down memory lane! (Original Air Date: December 1, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1212 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/

This week, families across the USA gathered for Thanksgiving...a holiday that's become a day about food, football and shopping...but SHOULD be about gratitude. Thankfully (see what I did there?), Israelis tend to be pretty good about expressing appreciation for things that are important to them, in real life and in song. So today we present a playlist of Israeli songs about gratitude and appreciation for blessings large and small, from nature to family to love to our beloved homeland. Have we mentioned how grateful we are that you're tuned in? THANK YOU for listening to Israel Hour Radio! (Original Air Date: November 24, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1211 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/

Did you go to a Jewish summer camp as a kid? If so, there's a very good chance you sang and listened to a LOT of Israeli music while you were there. For many, camp is an introduction to Hebrew, Zionism, and Israeli culture, with plenty of great music surrounding campers every single day. So when we asked the Israeli Music Community to tell us about the songs they learned in camp, they sent a LONG list! This week on Israel Hour Radio, we present YOUR favorite Israeli songs from camp, as our listeners reminisce about the wonderful memories that surrounded them. Did you go to a Jewish camp? What Israeli songs did you learn there? Tell us on WhatsApp at 732-844-9778. (Original Air Date: November 17, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1210 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/

It's always fun to sample the latest and greatest Israeli music, to keep up to date with the sound of Israel in real time. But these days, new Israeli music takes many forms. Some songs help us escape the realities of 2024 Israel, while others drag us right into the middle. And so, as we look into the best new music of the past few weeks, we'll hear the best of both worlds: the songs that are just plain fun, plus a selection of songs released to mark the first anniversary of October 7. Prepare for an emotional roller coaster. Yup, it's THAT kind of show again. (Original Air Date: November 10, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1209 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/

Remember life without smartphones? It's hard to believe that in 2007, the world was first being introduced to the original iPhone. Look at how much our lives have changed in the 17 years since then! You might debate whether our lives have gotten better or worse...but what's not debatable is how much you'll enjoy the greatest Israeli hits of 2007! Let's hop into the Israeli Music Time Machine, and set the dial to 2007, shall we? We'll find a musical treasure chest, full of incredible Israeli songs...by Shlomo Artzi, Miri Mesika, Mosh Ben Ari, Dana International, and many others! You just might not want to leave! (Original Air Date: November 3, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1208 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/

How are you dealing with the clock change? We 'fell back' in Israel on October 27, and most did so in the USA a week later. Seems that many of us have been hyper-focused on the time of day ever since, right? 'It's only 5pm...how does it already feel like midnight?' Well, with all this talk about time, it seemed like a good *time* to play songs about TIME on Israel Hour Radio! The time will certainly pass quickly as you spend quality time with this week's episode, having a good time listening to timeless Israeli songs about time. So, time to tune in...we think it will be a good use of your time! (Original Air Date: October 27, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1207 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/

Chag Sameach! Sukkot is known as “Zman Simchatenu” – the time of our joy. But after the year we’ve had – and with the yahrtzeit of those who lost their lives on October 7 coming up this week - joy is not so easy to come by nowadays. Still, we’re going to try to lift your spirits just a bit this holiday by playing Israeli songs that can INSTANTLY put a smile on your face. Some songs can magically transform your day, after just a few notes. Thanks to our wonderful Israeli Music Community on Facebook, we've curated a playlist of Israeli songs that are sure to help you smile through the pain - and just maybe, that's exactly what we need as we approach Simchat Torah 5784. (Original Air Date: October 20, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1206 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/