Famous Jew in History: Ofra Haza (1957–2000)

Born in Tel Aviv in 1957 to a large Yemeni Jewish family, Ofra Haza rose from modest beginnings in one of the city’s poorer neighbourhoods to become one of Israel’s most iconic singers.

Her extraordinary voice first gained attention as a teenager in a local theatre troupe, before she became a national star in the 1970s and 80s.

In 1983, she represented Israel at Eurovision with Chai, finishing second in one of the contest’s closest results. Far from a disappointment, the performance helped launch her international career. Haza went on to bring her unique fusion of traditional Yemeni Jewish music and contemporary pop to audiences around the world, earning Grammy nominations and global acclaim.

Though her life was cut tragically short when she died in 2000 at just 42, she left an enduring legacy as one of Israel’s most beloved and influential cultural figures.Watch Ofra Haza's 1983 Eurovision performance: Youtube - Chai Eurovision song contest 1983 - Ofra Haza

Read more: Jewish Women's Archive - Ofra Haza