When you say 'Arik Einstein,' you say 'Israel'

The leaders of Israeli society, from politicians to entertainers, have come forward to express their grief over the death of Israeli musical icon Arik Einstein at age 74.

President Shimon Peres said: "Arik's songs are the soundtrack of an entire nation, his voice caressed the people and embraced the land. He didn't boast or pose, and he didn't need to and we loved him because of his heart-breaking modesty. He wrote during difficult times and during times of elation. I loved his songs and from a young age I knew what many others knew, that there is no one like him and it's good that we have him. His sounds will fill the land. Even with his passing, his songs will continue to play [tunes of] life and hope."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed deep sorrow for Einstein's death. "Arik was greater than everyone. We all grew up on his songs. When you say 'Arik Einstein,' you say 'Israel.' Arik was a wonderful singer and a wonderful man. I loved him very much. With much sadness Israel parts with a cultural giant whom we will greatly miss. My wife and I are very pained by his passing."

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said on Tuesday night that "there has never been and will never a replacement for Arik Einstein. There is not enough space to describe the amazing points of Arik's life, from the masterpieces he created to his collaborations with Shalom Hanoch, Miki Gabrielov, Yoni Rechter, and the movies and the love of sports and all the rest. Arik was always there."

Culture and Sport Minister Limor Livnat also mourned Einstein's loss: "Arik was among the great cultural heroes of our generation, an artist, a creator, a great actor, one of the foundational stones of Hebrew music and Israeli cinema. He was the symbol of an entire generation. We will all miss him forever."

Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein eulogized the singer, saying that "Arik was an artist and a creator that touched all of our hearts, from old to young, even toddlers. It felt as if he knew each of us because his creations spoke to all of us."

Leader of the Opposition MK Isaac Herzog said, "Arik was one of the great creators and artists of Israel. He had the most Israeli style around, and it influenced generations of Israelis. His songs led us in times of national mourning and national joy."

Singer Shlomo Artzi, himself an icon of Israeli music, stopped his concert on Tuesday night to announce Einstein's death to crowd. Silence swept over the crowd. The audience then began to sing the lyrics of the performer's song "where are there more people like this man," and Artzi joined in.

Josie Katz, a close friend and former bandmate of Einstein's, said: "There is no other person like him. He told Israel's history in his songs."

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