ACUM Awards Honor Israel's Creative Spirit Amidst Conflict

On Sunday evening Israel’s music elite gathered at Cinema City Glilot for the 68th annual ACUM (Society of Authors, Composers, and Music Publishers in Israel) Awards. The event, a reflection of the nation’s creative pulse, held special significance in a year marked by conflict, loss, and resilience.

Despite the challenges of war, Israel’s music scene has remained vibrant, with artists channeling their emotions and experiences into powerful anthems. The ACUM Awards highlighted these contributions, honoring outstanding achievements in popular music and celebrating Israel's 13,000 members. The night underscored how music, as a form of art, mirrors life – and in Israel’s case, how it has become a symbol of unity and strength during trying times.

A standout moment was the recognition of the rap duo Ness Ve Stilla (Nessya Levi and Dor Soroker) for their breakout hit, “Harbu Darbu.” The song, a wartime anthem, resonated deeply with Israelis, making the duo the Discovery of the Year. The title, an Arabic war cry, was reinterpreted in Hebrew slang, becoming a battle cry of sorts for the masses.

Another notable award was Song of the Year, which went to Yagel Oshri for his moving track “Get Out of Depression,” a poignant anthem of emotional reunions. The song's video backdrop, showing soldiers returning home to their families, underscored the deeply emotional and healing power of music.

“Israeli creation, the written word, the sounds, and the music – they have an important healing value,” said ACUM CEO Assaf Nahoum, highlighting how crucial these creative expressions are in a year marked by tragedy. "We must strengthen Israeli creations and convey a message of unity."

The ceremony wasn’t just about celebrating art; it also honored the sacrifices made by artists during the war. ACUM recognized the music event production company Sincopa, based in Kfar Aza, where five employees were tragically killed on October 7. Two others, twins Gali and Ziv Berman, were kidnapped and are still held hostage in Gaza. The Berman family was in attendance, a powerful reminder of the human cost behind the music.

Among the other honorees was Yossi Gispan, a prolific Mizrahi songwriter, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his vast contribution to Israeli music with over 1,100 songs. Meanwhile, singer/songwriter Dani Litani was celebrated for his influence on the industry, earning a standing ovation from his peers.