Yemenite Jews mourn poet and musician

Yemenite Jews in Israel are mourning the passing on Shavuot  of two cultural icons, Aharon Amram and Mordechai Yitzhari. Avishay Yarimi paid these tributes on Facebook: 

Aharon Amram: Renowned as “the crown of our Yemenite poets,” Aharon Amram’s voice carried the soul of Teiman across Israel and beyond. His melodies—from ancient Yemenite liturgical chants to moving contemporary compositions—were woven into the fabric of our people’s spirit. Every note he sang was an act of devotion: to Torah, to community, and to our homeland. Tonight, rabbi Arussi will deliver the eulogy in his honor.

Mordechai Yitzhari: Earlier this week, we also bid farewell to Mordechai Yitzhari, a guiding light in intellectual and cultural leadership. Born to a pioneering family that arrived in Israel in 1949, Mordechai transformed the challenges of aliyah into stirring poetry, stories, and heartfelt public speaking. As one of the foremost spokesmen for Yemenite Jews, he poured his love for our people and traditions into every verse. His influence shaped the emblem of Rosh HaAyin—our city’s coat of arms—approved in 1968 under his visionary guidance. As a beloved “yakir ha’ir,” Mordechai embodied Zionist creativity and devotion; his songs like “אחיי בני תימן” and “אל חי וקיים” continue to echo in our hearts.