1. Haim Hefer was a Polish-born Israeli songwriter, poet, columnist, translator and writer.
17 Facts About Haim Hefer
1. 2.
Haim Hefer wrote for numerous composers and musical artists, as well as for military bands.
3.
Haim Hefer was awarded the Israel Prize in 1983 as recognition for his contributions to Israeli music.
4.
Haim Hefer's family immigrated to Palestine in 1936 and settled in Raanana.
5.
Haim Hefer began writing at the age of 13, as part of a national contest.
6.
Haim Hefer never finished high school and joined the Palmach in 1943.
7.
Haim Hefer took part in smuggling illegal immigrants through Syria and Lebanon.
8.
Haim Hefer was married to Ruti Haramati, with whom he had a daughter, Mimi.
9.
On 18 September 2012, Haim Hefer died at Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, after a long illness.
10.
Haim Hefer wrote a weekly column for Yediot Aharonot, which included maqamas on current affairs.
11.
Haim Hefer was later made a cultural attache to the Israeli consul in Los Angeles.
12.
Haim Hefer wrote for dozens of composers, including Sasha Argov, Moshe Wilensky and Dubi Seltzer.
13.
Haim Hefer wrote lyrics for musicals, including Kazablan and I Like Mike.
14.
In 2002, Haim Hefer described Moroccan Jewish culture as inferior to that of the Polish Jews.
15.
Haim Hefer called Aviv Geffen a phony and criticized Yaffa Yarkoni for badmouthing the IDF.
16.
Haim Hefer's remarks were condemned as racist and criticized by then President of Israel, Moshe Katsav, members of the Moroccan community, and representatives of the Shas Party, as well as Mizrahi musicians such as Margalit Tzan'ani.
17.
Haim Hefer made a public apology and wrote a song for singer Zehava Ben.