A Life Shaped by War, Love, and the Power of Song
Shmerit Or, a towering figure in Hebrew songwriting and a two-time Israel Composer’s Association (AcoCollect) award recipient, speaks candidly about why she has stopped writing lines that could inflame political or social rifts. Her reflections come as Israel faces ongoing conflict and a pervasive culture of pain from generations of war. Through a lifetime of hit songs and public service, Or has woven personal healing with public duty, choosing to share her truths in interviews and posts rather than through poetry that could widen divides.
Love Encountered in the Shadow of a War
The 1973 Yom Kippur War reshaped Or’s life in ways that echo through her music. Her partner, Yossi Virzenesky, a theater and screen actor, endured post-traumatic stress from frontline service, enduring long nights of restlessness and upheaval. The couple’s bond began before the war and grew stronger as they faced its aftermath together. Or recalls meeting him again after the fighting and discovering that their shared pain had become an unbreakable bond: a link that both anchored and frightened them in equal measure.
Trauma, Recovery, and a Shared Path
Virzenesky’s struggle with sleep, anxiety, and later substance use highlighted the era’s lack of awareness about post-traumatic stress. When he was officially recognized as a wounded fighter, he began treatment, finding in it some peace that eluded him for years. Their life together—despite separations, a 1989 divorce, and later reconciliations—illustrates a persistent, albeit painful, commitment to healing. In 2019 they renewed their vows in Cyprus, a moment Or recounts as a personal act of hope amid the storm of history.
Writing as a Choice, Not a Weapon
In this moment of national crisis and emotional fatigue, Or emphasizes that writing could become a political tool that splits audiences. She notes that even well-intentioned lyrics can provoke backlash in a country where the public discourse is highly charged. Instead, she channels her views into more restrained formats: public statements, interviews, and a 2024 song titled “Now,” written to support the return of abducted individuals. The track, produced and arranged by Adi Tzora, stands as a rare example of her willingness to use music for social purposes without feeding division.
A Life of Activism, Across Generations
Beyond the studio, Or has long been a force in the civic arena. Moving to Pardes Chanah‑Karkur in 1997, she helped launch the “Freedom to Live as We Choose” movement, a landmark stand against coercive religious influence in daily life. Her public service extended to ten years on the Pardes Hanna-Karkur council and two campaigns for the Knesset with Meretz and Gil. While she acknowledges that politics carries risks—she would not enter today without weighed consideration—she remains steadfast in fighting for social justice and balanced governance.
A Banner Career, and Personal Resilience
Or’s influence in Israeli music is vast. From early collaborations with Sharon Hanoch to shaping the sound of Milk and Honey with “Hallelujah” (Israel’s Eurovision winner in 1979) to timeless hits with Gali Atari and many others, she has transcended generations. The artist—born in 1945 in Jerusalem to a poet father and a nurse mother—credits a childhood rich with music and mentors who bridged creating and performing. Her life also includes profound health challenges: a 2001 kidney transplant and a breast cancer diagnosis in 2009. She continues to manage her health with ongoing medical care and a philosophy of gratitude for every moment, especially as she plans future performances with pianist Adi Tzora.
Looking to the Future, with the Voice Still Strong
As Or approaches her 80th birthday, she contemplates how to honor the past while moving forward. A forthcoming tribute concert in Tel Aviv, hosted at the Zuker Hall on the last Friday of October, promises an intimate evening where she will recount stories behind her songs and perform favorites alongside Tzora. Her stance on aging is practical and hopeful: she values longevity over celebration, preferring to mark life with music, memory, and service to others rather than grand spectacles.
Final Reflections
Shmerit Or’s career is a testament to art as resilience. Her refusal to weaponize language in a time of division aligns with a broader belief in art’s power to heal rather than fracture. Through enduring trauma, public advocacy, and a resilient artistic voice, Or remains a symbol of the Hebrew songbook’s enduring emotional reach and moral clarity.
