Moshe Hillel ("the Singing Paratrooper") Passes Away

In depth

Singer Moshe Hillel, known as "the Singing Paratrooper," has died at the age of 81. Hillel rose to fame in the 1970s with the song "The Boy with the Banjo" and was one of the voices identified with the Mizrahi music festival. He starred at the Mizrahi music festival in the 1970s, among other things with the hit "Yaakov HaTam" ("Al Tira Israel").

Hillel appeared in the film "Kazablan," sang with the Golani entertainment troupe during the Yom Kippur War, and recorded a series of hits, including "Hag Li" and "HaMatador." Israel's cultural and music world is mourning his death, and he is remembered as part of shaping the Israeli soundtrack of the 1980s.

From performances for soldiers during the Yom Kippur War to hits that conquered the country, Hillel enjoyed great successes alongside professional disappointments. The story of the singer who reached the peak but did not achieve the fame he hoped for ends at the age of 81.