Manna Gala Dinner 2022

Israeli artist Idan Raichel spoke about the importance of diversity in music, his time in the IDF and the impact of the anti-Israel boycott, at a charity event in central London on Monday, 20.6.22.

Speaking at the 300-person Manna Meir Panim event, which raised funds to combat food poverty in Israel, the singer-songwriter who has performed for US President Barack Obama and collaborated with international artists including Alicia Keys, insisted that above all else: “I am an Israeli”.

Known for infusing music from Ethiopia and Yemen in his work, he went onto perform some of his best-known hits including ‘Boee’ and ‘Mi’Ma’amakim’.

In conversation with journalist Sandy Rashty, who also writes for the JN, Kfar Saba-born Mr Raichel said: “Before anything else, I am an Israeli. I know that I will be buried in Kfar Saba.” He said that for him, Yom Hazikaron, the memorial day for Israel’s fallen soldiers,…