Some voices never fade. They echo through family road trips, fill Friday morning kitchens, and define the identity of a city and a nation. Yehoram Gaon is one of those voices. And now, Jerusalem is giving that voice a home – in the heart of the Old City
The artist, the legacy – and the city
On July 11, the Tower of David Museum opened a landmark tribute exhibition for Yehoram Gaon – singer, actor, storyteller and Jerusalem native. In collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality, this large-scale showcase presents over 70 years of Israeli culture through the lens of Gaon’s personal and artistic journey
From early days in the Nahal Band and “The Roosters,” to his iconic roles in Kazablan and Operation Yonatan, the exhibition follows Gaon’s life through rare photos, vinyl records, personal belongings and newly produced short films. Visitors can view original scripts, handwritten lyrics by Naomi Shemer, set sketches by Aryeh Navon, and even Gaon’s collection of hats worn on stage and screen
More than nostalgia – a personal invitation
At the heart of the experience is the interactive booth “We’ll Never Stop Singing,” where visitors record their own version of a Yehoram Gaon song and receive a personalized video souvenir. The entire exhibition is guided by Gaon himself, with a rich audio tour that offers stories, songs and emotional insights in his own voice
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Six original video pieces by director Kobi Farag introduce key chapters of Gaon’s life and impact. At the opening event, Moshe Shapira – father of the late Anar Shapira – presented Gaon with a hand-drawn portrait set against Jerusalem’s walls and the Tower of David. Postcards featuring the artwork are available to visitors throughout the exhibition
From the mayor’s heart
“Yehoram Gaon is the soundtrack of Israeli identity,” said Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion. “His Ladino ballads, his Jerusalem songs, and his artistic soul shaped my life, and the lives of so many in this city. I invite everyone to take part in this powerful, personal journey
Cultural reflection
Curator Tal Kubo shared: “Gaon’s work remains deeply relevant. It reflects the evolution of Israeli culture, and also a longing for a more innocent Jerusalem
Eilat Lieber, Museum Director and Chief Curator, added: Gaon’s voice is not only national – it is profoundly Jerusalemite. This exhibition gives new life to that voice, for every generation
