Israeli Artists Ninet Tayeb, Amdursky Lead Anti-War Protest Rally

Israeli musician and cultural icon Ninet Tayeb is taking a firm and public stance against the ongoing war in Gaza. On Thursday evening, Tayeb is set to perform at a demonstration in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square, calling for an end to the fighting and for the return of Israeli hostages. She will be joined on stage by acclaimed singer-songwriter Asaf Amdursky, performing his poignant post-October 7 composition, “Too Many Flowers,” alongside families of hostages and the advocacy group Mishmeret 101.

Tayeb, who rose to fame after winning the first season of Kochav Nolad (the Israeli version of American Idol), quickly became one of the most beloved figures in Israeli entertainment. While her musical releases in recent years have been fewer, her cultural impact has remained strong. Now, she is using her platform to advocate for peace, an act that may draw both admiration and criticism in a deeply divided public sphere.

A longtime artist unafraid to express her personal truth, Tayeb has consistently shared her thoughts and emotions through music. Her song “Libi Er” (“My Heart Is Awake”), written in recent months, reveals a deeply spiritual and humanistic plea:

“God, give me strength, fill my spirit with love that never ends. Let not the fire burn in my blood. Let my heart be awake, my face kind, my hands soft, so I may embrace, and draw near only the light. Only the light. God, do not run from me, not from my children, not from my people. Bless our tents, place the Shekhinah over our heads with pride. Let us not cease, let us not fall. Let us be eternal, for generations, for His angels shall guard you in all your ways.”

Tayeb’s participation in the rally, especially alongside Amdursky, who has himself been vocal in recent months, signals growing momentum among Israeli artists willing to speak out in the name of dialogue, humanity, and change.

The event is expected to bring together a wide spectrum of voices, including mothers of hostages, peace activists, and civilians who feel the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the war. In the backdrop of a highly polarized Israeli public, Tayeb’s decision marks not only a personal act of courage, but also a reflection of the growing intersection between art, activism, and national healing.