Ask Haviv Anything Episode 27: Music amidst trauma - a conversation on life in a war with Aya Korem and Adam Ben Amitai
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Jul 7, 2025 
Aya Korem, an Israeli singer-songwriter known for her poignant songs, teams up with Adam Ben Amitai, a fellow musician and composer, to share their experiences of resilience through music amidst trauma. They discuss the healing power of music in the wake of the October 7 attacks, exploring how performing became a lifeline for their community. The couple reflects on parenting in a mixed community during conflict and the deep emotional connections their music fosters, revealing hope and unity in the face of adversity.
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Spontaneous War-Time Concerts
- Aya Korem and Adam Ben Amitai spontaneously decided to bring music to soldiers and civilians after the October 7 attacks.
- They actively sought out venues and people who needed concerts handling the trauma through music.
Music's Cultural Fusion During War
- Aya Korem translated Leonard Cohen's "Who By Fire" merging it with a traditional Yom Kippur piyut, capturing the war's somber mood.
- This fusion deeply resonated as a powerful cultural and emotional expression during conflict.
Performing Somber Music to Soldiers
- Aya Korem and Adam Ben Amitai performed "Who By Fire" for soldiers near the site of a brutal massacre.
- Despite its somber tone, the soldiers requested this song, highlighting music's role in processing trauma.