Meir Banai, one of the most prominent singers and songwriters in Israel, died on Thursday at the age of 55 after a long battle with cancer. Banai, who was born and raised in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, was a member of one of the most important show business families in the country, which includes renowned musicians, actors, and entertainers. Banai was the first second-generation musician in his family to make a name for himself and continue the musical legacy. His sister, Orna, is a popular comedian and actress, and his younger brother, Evyatar, is also a famous singer. Meir Banai was the nephew of the late musician, performer and Israel Prize laureate Yossi Banai, and his cousins Ehud and Yuval are leading musicians who have had a major influence on Israeli culture. Over a musical career that spanned almost three decades, Banai released 10 albums and was credited with some of the most memorable songs in the history of contemporary Israeli music. His last album, "Shma Koli" ("Hear My Voice"), was released in 2007 and included traditional Jewish lyrics from different time periods that reflected his return to his Jewish roots in the last decade. Yuval Banai, the lead singer of iconic Israeli rock group Mashina, eulogized his cousin on stage, saying: "My childhood friend, my brother, my beloved Meir Banai is no longer with us. We are going to proceed with the concert, because I think that's what Meir would have wanted. He was an amazing musician and an incredible man." President Reuven Rivlin eulogized Meir Banai, saying, "Maybe it's his voice that thrills the heart, maybe it's the meaning behind the lyrics, but every time I heard his songs my soul was carried away to places that only music can take you to. I use to hum his songs for hours after they had already ended. I will remember you as you were, hiding a bashful smile, a wonderful singer and rare musician. My deepest condolences to the beloved Banai family." The Culture Ministry issued a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened by Meir Banai's passing. He was an extraordinary artist and a wonderful singer, whose untimely death leaves us all orphaned." Rocker Aviv Gefen said, "This is a very sad moment for Israeli music, which has lost one of its greatest and most original creators. He was like a brother to me." Hundreds of people attended Banai's funeral Friday at Har Hamenuchot Cemetery in Jerusalem. He is survived by his parents, siblings and two children.
