It’s been quite an eventful Yom Ha’atzma’ut for Idan Raichel. First, on the eve of Independence Day, Idan was selected as one of 12 honorees to light a torch at the opening ceremony on Mount Herzl. These honors are offered each year to Israelis who have made a profound impact on society.

Then, on Independence Day afternoon, Idan reunited with “The Idan Raichel Project” for an unbelievable concert every fan will love.

Performing with a full ensemble on Channel 12, Idan and company sprawled out over a large area in a park. Careful to maintain social distancing, there was a great deal of space between each of the performers.

Still, they couldn’t have been more unified. Idan and his team sang all of their hits, and it was great to see the team together once again. It’s been a while since we’ve seen the entire “Project” on one stage (er, lawn), since Idan has opted lately for more intimate, solo piano shows. Today’s concert, however, was a true joint effort, and well worth his fans’ time on Israel’s 72nd birthday.

The team dedicated their performance to the heroes of the day. Between songs, Idan chatted with hospital staff, policemen, military personnel, and other first responders – visibly grateful for their work.

Idan Raichel’s Emotional Torch Lighting

The previous day, Idan’s torch lighting – considered among the country’s highest honors – was a highlight of the opening ceremony. Idan accepted it humbly, becoming emotional while delivering remarks to the nation.

English translation:

I, Idan Raichel, son of Ruchaleh and Yoav Raichel from Tidhar Alley in Kfar Saba, grandson of Miriam and Pinchas Yarkoni, among the leaders of the convoys that broke the siege on Jerusalem, and grandson of Rachel and Avraham Raichel, among the builders of the State of Israel, light this torch.

In honor of the giants of Hebrew music’s past, and the wonderful creators in present times, the musicians, the producers, the sound and light technicians, the studio staff and my friends on Israel’s stages, on-stage and back-stage. We are all a link in a chain of Israeli creation.

In honor of the audience that listens, and in whose honor we perform, and which enables our life’s creation.In honor of the defense forces, the people operating in the shadows, and to the last soldier stationed far away. The fallen soldiers and those injured, in their bodies and spirits. All those enabled and enable my friends and me to step onto any stage, for our audience, from Dan to Eilat, every evening, securely.

And in honor of the country’s veteran citizens, and new immigrants from every corner of the world, who brought with them age-old traditions, and who together – in a mix full of wonder, created the soundtrack of our Israeli society, which is truly a wondrous tribe, brothers and sisters.And to the glory of the State of Israel.

– Idan Raichel, April 28, 2020

Mazal tov to Idan Raichel, one of Israel’s most talented and beloved musicians!