For Josh Shron, popular Israeli music offers more than just a good beat. It’s a great way for American Jews to feel closer to Israel, he said.
“Growing up in New Jersey, Israeli music was never on my radar screen,” Shron said. “My Hebrew was so-so, and I listened to American pop. But once I became a fan of Israeli music, I somehow felt more connected to Israel.
“The next time I visited the country, I was much more invested in Israeli culture—and there was no turning back.”
He’s since made it his mission to spread Israeli music to the masses.
“You don’t have to be fluent in Hebrew to become an Israeli-music fan,” he said. “You just need to close your eyes, soak in the sounds and imagine you’re sitting in a café in Tel Aviv. Next thing you know, you’ll be hooked.”
Shron has been spreading that message for 25 years on his weekly radio program and podcast, “Israel Hour Radio.” Broadcasting from WRSU Radio on the Rutgers University campus in New Jersey, he’s developed a loyal following of music fans from around the world, hungry for a taste of Israeli culture.
More than great music, Shron believes these songs offer an emotional connection to the state of Israel. His listeners agree. A recent podcast review raves, “My Hebrew is not fluent; however, with each episode I can travel to my heart’s center through the music, interviews, and stories of our home.”
To celebrate his milestone anniversary, Shron, along with his wife, Mairov (who also frequently appears on the program), decided to take the show on the road.
They’re planning a live 25th anniversary broadcast from Israel on August 9—and they’re bringing listeners along.
With the help of Keshet Educational Journeys, a leading Israeli tour provider, Shron recently announced “My Israeli Music Experience”—a musical tour of Israel to take place August 4-14.
The tour will include visits to cultural sites, meetings with Israeli music celebrities, unique musical experiences—and many concerts.
“Summer is an amazing time for concerts in Israel,” Shron said. “You sit under the stars, singing at the top of your lungs with thousands of Israelis. It’s magical.”
The packed itinerary includes meetings with musical celebrities such as the Shalva Band—a group of musicians with disabilities that recently performed for President Donald Trump—and personalities such as Hadar Marks, morning DJ at Israel’s biggest music radio station, Galgalatz.
With stops in Jerusalem, Northern Israel and Tel Aviv, the tour will be suitable for first-timers as well as seasoned travelers to Israel. For the full itinerary and pricing, visit https://www.MyIsraeliMusic.com/tour.
