Ask Haviv Anything: Episode 27

Title: Music amidst Trauma - A Conversation on Life in a War with Aya Korem and Adam Ben Amitai
Host: Haviv Rettig Gur
Guests: Aya Korem and Adam Ben Amitai
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 27 of "Ask Haviv Anything," hosted by Haviv Rettig Gur, the focus shifts from historical discourse to the profound impact of music during wartime. Haviv welcomes his guests, Aya Korem and Adam Ben Amitai, two of Israel's most influential musicians known for their culturally iconic works that resonate deeply with the Israeli experience during conflict. This episode delves into how Aya and Adam use their music to process trauma, foster hope, and unify communities amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Setting the Stage: The Current Conflict

Haviv opens the discussion by contextualizing the podcast's recording during a pivotal moment in the Gaza war, which began on October 7th. He mentions ongoing diplomatic efforts, including Netanyahu's trip to Washington and potential ceasefire talks involving the release of hostages. Haviv notes the uncertain but hopeful signs that the war may be nearing its end, emphasizing that this episode seeks to explore a different facet of the conflict—its impact on Israeli society through the lens of music.

Notable Quote:
Haviv Rettig Gur (00:00): “Nothing is off limits. We're going to talk about big and painful things, and also beautiful and fascinating things...”

Personal Journeys: Aya and Adam’s Response to War

Rachel, Haviv's wife and executive producer, introduces Aya and Adam, highlighting their dual roles as both partners and collaborators in music. She traces their journey back to the onset of the war, describing how Aya, inspired by Leonard Cohen’s legacy in Israel, began translating and adapting his songs to resonate with the current generation.

Key Points:

• Aya and Adam spontaneously decided to perform for soldiers and civilians during the initial chaos of the war.
• Their first performance involved the poignant song "Manishar Raqava" ("What Remains Only Love"), a classic love ballad that has become an anthem of resilience.
• The couple emphasizes the therapeutic role of music in processing collective trauma, aiming to provide solace and hope.

Notable Quotes:
Aya Korem (06:49): “I remember waking up from the sirens in Tel Aviv... it was a whole different kind of thing.”
Adam Ben Amitai (07:30): “We found ourselves doing the same things in previous wars and operations, but this was different because the way we felt.”

Creating 'For Grace and Redemption'

The conversation delves into Aya and Adam's latest album, "For Grace and Redemption," which serves as a sonic exploration of the war's multifaceted impacts. They describe the album as a therapeutic journey, akin to a therapy session, starting with raw depictions of traumatic events and evolving into expressions of hope and unity.

Key Points:

• The album begins with "Gray Concrete Road," a cold and distant portrayal of the aftermath of a Hamas attack, based on a friend's real-life experience cleaning up a devastated house.
• Subsequent tracks reflect on the ongoing pain, longing for hostages, and the collective mourning of soldiers.
• Aya explains the album's title, inspired by a street sign at the Irkon cemetery, symbolizing grace and redemption amidst loss.

Notable Quotes:
Aya Korem (23:35): “It was so obvious that this is the name of the album before any actual songs were written.”
Adam Ben Amitai (25:10): “This is what happens.”

Music as a Beacon of Hope

Rachel shares her perspective on how she and Haviv processed the war through conversations and storytelling, contrasting it with Aya and Adam’s musical approach. She highlights the album's role in encapsulating the collective experiences of fear, loss, and resilience over the 21-month conflict.

Key Points:

• The music serves as a unifying force, providing a shared language for mourning and hope.
• Aya and Adam emphasize the strength found in creating music together, reinforcing their bond and solidarity with the community.
• The guests perform excerpts from their album, allowing listeners to emotionally connect with their message.

Notable Quotes:
Rachel (25:25): “Everyone who is scarred, everyone who has suffered, everyone who has triumphed...”
Aya Korem (27:20): “That's just so powerful for us as artists trying to encapsulate that.”

Life in Jaffa: Coexistence Amid Conflict

The discussion shifts to Aya and Adam's personal lives in Jaffa, an Arab-Jewish town within the Tel Aviv municipality. They describe the unique experience of raising their children in a multicultural environment, emphasizing the importance of coexistence and shared community spaces.

Key Points:

• Aya, originally from Nazareth, and Adam highlight their commitment to fostering unity between Jewish and Arab families.
• Their children attend a joint Arab-Jewish school, embodying their belief in a shared future.
• The couple recount their harrowing experience during the war, including Adam's unexpected detour from London back to Israel amidst missile attacks.

Notable Quotes:
Aya Korem (33:42): “We are in this together and you feel that as an artist as well.”
Adam Ben Amitai (39:43): “We're all like, it doesn't matter you're Jewish or Arab if you have your heads, relatively speaking, screwed up.”

The Journey Back: Personal Sacrifices

Aya and Adam share their intense journey from London back to Israel during the war, illustrating the determination and urgency faced by many Israelis trying to return home amidst chaos. They describe the solidarity and resilience within the community, even as they navigate logistical nightmares to reunite with their families.

Key Points:

• The couple had to navigate closed airports and secured perimeters, relying on community networks to find passage back to Israel.
• Their narrative underscores the broader societal mobilization, with tens of thousands striving to protect their loved ones.
• They reflect on the emotional toll and the unwavering commitment to homeland and family.

Notable Quotes:
Adam Ben Amitai (42:10): “This is like when we don't really have a clear understanding of what's about to happen.”
Aya Korem (43:30): “People were trying to get home to where all the missiles are falling.”

Ending on Hope: 'Only Love'

As the episode winds down, Haviv steers the conversation towards a message of hope. Aya and Adam discuss their song "Only Love," which encapsulates the enduring power of love amidst devastation. They recount a performance of this song to an IDF unit responsible for delivering tragic news, highlighting the mutual solace found in shared humanity and music.

Key Points:

• "Only Love" serves as a testament to what remains when everything else is lost, emphasizing love as the enduring force.
• The song's lyrics reflect themes of longing, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit.
• Aya and Adam express their desire for a future where cooperation and mutual understanding prevail, fostering a more peaceful Middle East.

Notable Quotes:
Aya Korem (44:43): “This is our way to keep it light and fun because these people deal with the absolute worst.”
Rachel (53:28): “Maybe now it's the time to end with the hope... a place of cooperation, right?”

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

Haviv concludes the episode by emphasizing the transformative power of music in shaping societal narratives and healing collective wounds. Aya and Adam's insights illustrate how art can bridge divides, foster resilience, and inspire hope even in the darkest times. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the unifying and healing capacity of music amidst trauma.

Closing Thoughts:
Raising awareness and understanding through personal stories and artistic expression, Aya and Adam exemplify the role of artists in times of conflict. Their commitment to depicting the Israeli experience authentically and compassionately provides listeners with a deeper appreciation of the complexities and enduring spirit of a society in turmoil.

Selected Quotes with Timestamps

• Aya Korem (07:30): “We took the kids and we drove there. And all throughout that day, the resolution and understanding of what has actually happened actually dawned on me.”
• Adam Ben Amitai (10:38): “About it, I think we had no guitar because we just...”
• Aya Korem (23:35): “It was so obvious that this is the name of the album before any actual songs were written.”
• Rachel (35:41): “We've been in an endless conflict, maybe first as soldiers and then as adults, then as parents trying to eke out normalcy in a non-normal world.”
• Adam Ben Amitai (39:43): “We're all like, it doesn't matter you're Jewish or Arab if you have your heads, relatively speaking, screwed up.”

Note: For a deeper emotional connection, listeners are encouraged to hear Aya and Adam perform excerpts from their album "For Grace and Redemption" during the podcast.

Further Information

• Album: For Grace and Redemption by Aya Korem and Adam Ben Amitai
• Website: edut710.org
• Support the Podcast: patreon.com/asklevanything

This episode of "Ask Haviv Anything" offers a heartfelt exploration of how music serves as a vessel for healing, unity, and resilience amidst one of Israel's most challenging periods. Aya and Adam's dedication to their craft and their community underscores the profound impact that artists can have in times of crisis.