Tower of David exhibit tunes in to cultural icon Yehoram Gaon

Jerusalem’s Tower of David Museum opened its latest exhibit, “Yehoram Gaon – The Exhibition,” with a festive event on July 10, dedicated to the cultural icon and singer.

Gaon, 85, attended the gala opening at the ancient citadel museum, where he sang his 1975 hit, “We Will Not Stop Singing” alongside the musical troupe of the Nahal program of the Israel Defense Forces, a unit he was part of when he served in the IDF 68 years ago.

The octogenarian celebrity was first feted by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, his personal friend, who admitted to having one of Gaon’s songs as his cellphone ringtone.

Lion called Gaon’s songs “the soundtrack of Israel,” and noted that Gaon has always been committed to the traditions and culture of Israel.

“Jerusalem salutes you,” said Lion.

“Yehoram Gaon – The Exhibition” is a musical journey through the life and career of the singer, actor, filmmaker, and public figure whose work has shaped Israeli identity for more than seven decades.

The exhibit, which opened July 11 and will remain in place through December 2025, follows a similar offering at the museum in 2020 for the Banai family of musicians and performers.

Eilat Lieber, the museum director, noted in her opening remarks that during the 12-day conflict with Iran, several weeks before the exhibit opening, the museum staff, like all Israelis, sat in shelters and had no idea if the exhibit would open.

With the exhibit opening on schedule following those days of fear and loss, and given the ongoing war and hostage crisis, Lieber said that while the exhibit celebrates Gaon’s life and music, it also marks Israeli life and realities.

Gaon was raised in that reality, born in Jerusalem during the British mandate period, said Lieber. He told the museum curatorial staff that he could clearly remember the moment when Israel announced its independence in May 1948.

Gaon became a member of the Jerusalem City Council in 1993, officially serving as the municipal authority’s cultural affairs representative until 2002, though he has not lived in Jerusalem for decades.

The exhibit, installed in the museum’s new Angelina Drahi Entrance Pavilion, follows Gaon’s childhood in Jerusalem through his early performances with Israel’s Nahal troupe, HaTernogolim, and Trio Gesher Hayarkon, continuing with his acclaimed stage and screen appearances.

The museum staff worked closely with Gaon and his wife, said Lieber, and alongside the well-known songs, films, and television programs, visitors can see Gaon’s extensive private collection, including historic recordings, photographs, and films, on display.

The exhibit showcases personal artifacts from his family home, original manuscripts and sheet music, as well as stage props like the hat he wore in the hit musical Kazablan and a previously unseen production book featuring original set sketches by artist Aryeh Navon and handwritten notes by lyricist Naomi Shemer.

A specially designed audio guide, narrated by Gaon in Hebrew, can accompany visitors through the galleries. All the films in the main exhibition have English translations.

An interactive experience, “The Transparent Studio – We Won’t Stop Singing”, allows visitors to record their own cover of a Yehoram Gaon song and take home a personalized video.

The exhibition ends with a musical accompaniment of Gaon’s songs on the roof of the ancient Phasael Tower overlooking the views of Jerusalem.

The museum will host a series of cultural events, including guided tours on Tuesdays and Fridays, curator-led talks from July through September, Old City tours tracing Gaon’s footsteps, and live music performances.

See the Tower of David website for dates, information, and tickets.