Elvis

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Dudi Petimer and his unrivaled record collection.

Meet the man who won’t let Israel’s musical past die

At first glance, 26-year-old Dudi Petimer may seem like just another guy with a penchant for oldies and a throwback Elvis hairdo. Equipped with an 18,000-strong vinyl collection and endless knowledge of Israeli musical history, Petimer has taken responsibility for preserving the remnants of a culture that never quite made it into the mainstream. By Khen Elmaleh It’s…

By Cafe Gibraltar February 10, 2014

Ofra Haza. (YouTube screenshot)

Riches to rags to virtual riches: When Mizrahi artists said ‘no’ to Israel’s pioneer culture

Upon their arrival in Israel, Mizrahi Jews found themselves under a regime that demanded obedience, even in cultural matters. All were required to conform to an idealized pioneer figure who sang classical, militaristic ‘Hebrew’ songs. That is, before the ‘Kasetot’ era propelled Mizrahi artists into the spotlight, paving the way for today’s musical stars. Part two of…

By Haokets December 14, 2013