Dedication to the greatest Yemeni singer Aaron Amram ז"ל

Tribute and Memorial Show for Aaron Amram

A tribute and memorial show honoring the greatest Yemenite singer, Aaron Amram (may his memory be a blessing).

This special and touching show is dedicated to the memory of Aaron Amram, who passed away in June 2025. Amram was a singer, poet, composer, and researcher of Yemenite Jewry. His work and vast life had a profound impact on Israeli culture, particularly on Jewish-Yemenite culture.

This special evening will focus on his musical creations, his efforts to preserve the heritage of Yemenite Jewry, and his immense contribution to Jewish-Yemenite song and Israeli culture.

The program will feature touching performances of his favorite songs accompanied by an extended orchestra of 5 musicians and a string quartet. Distinguished Israeli and Jewish singers will take the stage to honor Aaron Amram’s memory, including Avihu Medina, Avner Gadasi, Moshe Giaat, as well as Aaron Amram’s sons, who continue his musical legacy.

Aaron Amram (1937–2025):

Amram was born in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen, and immigrated to Israel as part of Operation Magic Carpet. Already in his youth, he distinguished himself as a talented musician and began performing and singing. Amram was a pioneer who integrated Western musical instruments into traditional Yemenite music as early as the late 1950s and early 1960s. This step initially met resistance but became his signature trait and opened doors for generations of singers who followed him.

Amram devoted his entire life to preserving the heritage of Yemenite Jewry. For many years, he recorded and documented the reading of the Torah, prayers, liturgical songs, and Divan chanting, strictly adhering to the original text and tradition. Amram not only preserved the glorious past of Yemenite Jewry but also composed and created new music inspired by this tradition; his songs became timeless hits in Jewish music. He influenced many artists, including Zohar Argov, Ofra Haza, Chaim Moshe, and others. For his contributions, he was awarded the ACUM prize as a composer and lyricist, as well as the Minister of Education Prize for Jewish Culture, among many other awards.

Participants and Guests:

The evening will be graced by leading artists, public figures, and high-ranking officials who were partners of Amram on his journey and were influenced by his work:

• Avihu Medina, winner of the Israel Prize for Jewish Song 2022, singer, songwriter, and one of the most important composers in Israeli music. A leader in the fight for recognition of Mediterranean music, Medina contributed immensely to making it an integral part of Jewish song. Medina will perform his own songs and those of Amram, paying tribute to the pioneer of Yemenite music.
• Avner Gadasi, a veteran and beloved singer and composer who blends rock, Mediterranean music, and blues in his works. Gaining fame in the 1970s, Gadasi was strongly influenced by Amram’s unique style and will perform special versions of Amram’s songs with his distinctive voice.
• Moshe Giaat, singer and cantor (paytan), one of the first singers of Yemenite origin in the IDF Rabbinate choir. Achieving great success in the 1980s, Giaat combines traditional Yemenite singing with Eastern music and will also perform Amram’s songs in his touching style.
• Shahar Elram and Liron Amram, sons of Aaron Amram, continuing his musical path, will take the stage for special and touching performances of their father’s songs. Their participation will be an emotional tribute to Amram’s family and musical heritage.

Additionally, the event will be marked by the presence of the Mayor of Petah Tikva, Mr. Rami Greenberg.

We invite the general public, those who cherish his memory, and lovers of Yemenite and Israeli music to join this special evening and honor the memory of Aaron Amram, a musical giant who made a huge contribution to our culture.

Authors/Credits:

• Avihu Medina – Elicur Reuveni
• Avner Gadasi – Ilan Porat
• Elram and Shahar Amram – Yaniv Meitov
• Liron Amram – Shay Franco
• Moshe Giaat – PR
• Aaron Amram – PR

The event is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports as part of the SL"A project.