Episode #1250: An Attitude of Gratitude
November 23, 2025
What are you thankful for? With Thanksgiving approaching in the USA, millions turn their thoughts this week towards gratitude. And although Thanksgiving isn't really celebrated in Israel, there are plenty of Israeli songs that express appreciation and thanks for the blessings in our lives. But this year, with hostages home and a fragile peace in place for now, many of us in Israel are feeling particularly thankful. So before you gather around the T-Day table, get into the holiday spirit by listening to these great Israeli tunes - perfect for the season!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/mry9nbbz

Episode #1249: What Freedom Sounds Like
November 9, 2025
What Israeli songs did the hostages ask to hear after their release from two years of captivity? What songs ran through their minds day after day, during their long and painful ordeal? Now that our living hostages are finally home, we've learned a bit more about their experiences: the torture and starvation, yes, but also the songs that gave them strength for more than two years. We shared a few of these songs on a previous show, but thanks to the folks at Kan Gimmel radio, we now have even more information, more firsthand stories, and more significant music. You may never be able to hear these songs in quite the same way again.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/vsrkdvuk

Episode #1248: New Israeli Music - October 2025
October 26, 2025
Israel is breathing just a little easier nowadays, and our thriving music industry doesn't miss a beat. The songs on the radio don't ignore the harsh realities of the past two years, but they certainly aren't harping on them either. So, you may ask, what are Israelis listening to, now that war is (sort of) taking a back seat? We got you. This week on Israel Hour Radio, Josh shares the most-played songs on Israeli radio stations nationwide over the past week, featuring several artists never before heard on our show. We're proud to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest in Israeli music!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/4evt3e43

Episode #1247: Musical Tales of Survival
October 19, 2025
THEY'RE HOME. Words we've been waiting to write for more than two years. While of course we know we won't be complete until all of the bodies held by Hamas are back home in Israel, we are breathing easier this week than we've been in a LONG time. Now that our living hostages are reunited with their families, we're beginning to learn the unimaginable details of their captivity. But we're also learning about how they managed to hold on to hope, stay strong, and survive - and for many, MUSIC played a large role. This week on Israel Hour Radio, we share the stories - and the songs - of our heroes. With much gratitude, we're so pleased to share this very emotional episode.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/5aywbdpm

Episode #1246: Waiting For The BEST News
October 12, 2025
By the time you hear this podcast, you already know that on October 13, 2025, all living hostages held by Hamas were returned to their families in Israel. But when we recorded this podcast the evening before, we still weren't sure if the deal would hold. Sure, we were optimistic...but couldn't exhale until everyone was safely back home. Under that backdrop, we shared songs of homecoming, hope, optimism, and the promise of a better tomorrow - songs that are even more relevant now that we know THEY'RE FREE. It's hard to believe that our national nightmare is over (though we still pray for the return of 19 murdered hostages), but it is glorious to know that our country can begin to heal from two long, difficult, painful years of war and trauma.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/edyxrrby

Episode #1245: Two Years
October 5, 2025
This week, we observe a excruciating anniversary - two years since the October 7 massacre. Two years of war. Two years of hostages. Two years of heartbreak. BUT - a ray of light is possibly on the horizon, as peace talks were set to begin in Egypt to end the war and free the hostages. While we watch, wait, and hope, we reflect on the emotions of the past two years. From devastation to jubilation...Israelis have experienced it all over the past two years, and it all came alive in some very meaningful Israeli songs. You'll hear some of the most meaningful Israeli music of the past two years, including some brand new songs, recorded specifically for this difficult milestone. Praying for better days ahead.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/5yt4frp4

Episode #1244: 5785 - The Year In Israeli Music
September 28, 2025
Shana Tova from Israel Hour Radio! For our first broadcast of 5786, we continue a long-standing tradition of counting down the most popular songs of the previous year. And in a year full of war, hostages, and stress...most of the songs are surprisingly NOT related to any of those things. Instead, they are ordinary, run of the mill, 'vanilla' songs that, perhaps, were meant to take our minds off of the tense situation in and around Israel. What songs were voted best in 5785? What Israeli songs were YOUR favorites over the course of the year? Take a walk down memory lane with us, and explore the past year in Israeli music!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/8t77f49f