‘Queen of Hebrew music’ dies

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, February 14, 2006

JERUSALEM – Shoshana Damari, whose voice came to embody the emerging nation of Israel and comforted its people during their most trying times, died Tuesday after suffering from pneumonia. She was 83.

Damari, known as “the queen of Hebrew music” and a recipient of the nation’s most prestigious cultural prize, entertained Israeli civilians and soldiers for nearly seven decades with her booming alto voice, continuing to perform until shortly before her death.

Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called Damari “one of Israel’s cultural greats.”

“Her voice and noble image guided us for more than 60 years … through the establishment of the state, through wars and peace, happiness and grief,” Olmert said in a statement. “Shoshana Damari was an example for love of humanity, love of the Land of Israel and, especially, love for the Hebrew song …

“We will remember her forever as the national voice.”