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David Broza
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David Broza
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Key Information

David Simon Berwick Broza (Hebrew: דוד סימון ברויק ברוזה; born September 4, 1955) is an Israeli singer-songwriter. His music mixes modern pop with Spanish music.

Biography

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David Broza was born in Haifa, Israel. His father was an Israeli–British businessman of German-Dutch Jewish descent. He grew up in England and Spain, attending Runnymede College, in Madrid. Broza's grandfather, Wellesley Aron, co-founded the Arab-Israeli peace settlement Neve Shalom – Wāħat as-Salām (The Oasis of Peace)[1] and the Habonim youth movement. Young David Broza originally planned to become a graphic artist, and by age 17 he was selling his paintings in the Rastro, Madrid's Sunday flea market. Following high school, and while serving in the Israel Defense Forces, he began playing guitar in cafes to earn extra money. Eventually he was offered a record deal, but as he still hoped to attend the Rhode Island School of Design, he declined. He later recorded a tape to promote his live shows.

Broza was married to Ruthie Gabison Broza for 30 years, and together they have three children, Moran, Ramon and Adam. He lived in Cresskill, New Jersey for 17 years.[2] He resides in Tel Aviv and is a member of Kehilat Sinai, a Conservative synagogue.[3]

Music career

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His music reflects a fusion of the three countries in which he was raised: Israel, Spain and England. Since 1977, when his hit song “Yihye Tov” (Things Will Be Better) first hit the airwaves, David Broza has been working to promote a message of peace. In 2013, Broza began work on a new project – bringing together Israeli and Palestinian musicians for 8 days and nights to work side by side in an East Jerusalem recording studio. The result was East Jerusalem West Jerusalem, a collection of thirteen songs that blends cultures, languages and styles into a powerful statement about collaboration and coexistence. The album, produced by Steve Earle, features a stirring duet with Wyclef Jean.

In 2007, a concert at Masada featured Broza with special guests Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin. David Broza appeared as a guest and shared the bill with Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and others.

In 2022, Broza began singing at Temple Emanuel in New York City on Friday nights. The service consists of 14 prayers set to music by Broza with a back up of 27 musicians and a choir.[4] Broza wrote the 14 melodies in 14 days and turned them into an album, Tefila.[5]

Also in 2022, he contributed a guitar-based original score to the film, Who Are the Marcuses?.[6]

Musical collaboration

[edit]

In 1994, David Broza performed with Texan singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt during a Writers in the Round concert Series at Main Street Theater in Houston. They performed in the round with David Amram and Linda Lowe for the first time. The foursome performed for the second time in the round at The Kerrville Folk Festival. After that David had no further contact with Townes however they had formed a strong connection and had cultivated a mutual respect. When Van Zandt died three years later, he left Broza a collection of unreleased poems and lyrics with a request that Broza set them to music. Years later, the result of that unusual story was the album "Night Dawn: The Unpublished Poetry of Townes Van Zandt", which was released at Writers in the Round Concert Series in Houston by Broza in 2010.[7][8]

In 2007, David Broza performed at his annual Sunrise at Masada concert in Israel where Broza collaborated with Shawn Colvin and Jackson Browne. The concert was filmed as part of a PBS special and was released in 2014 on DVD and CD by Magenta Label Group.

In early 2013, Broza recorded sessions at Sabreen Studios in East Jerusalem with a band composed of both Israeli and Palestinian musicians, including Mira Awad, Shaa'nan Streett of Hadag Nahash, West Bank rap duo G-Town and Wyclef Jean. The resulting album, "East Jerusalem/West Jerusalem," produced by Steve Earle and Steve Greenberg, was released in early 2014 on S-Curve Records. The aforementioned Haitian performer Wyclef Jean also appeared on the title track of the 2014 album.[9]

Peace activism

[edit]

Broza was appointed a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. His song "Together" (co-written with Ramsey McLean) was the theme song for the UNICEF 50th anniversary celebration in more than 148 countries.[1]

Discography

[edit]
  • La Mujer Que Yo Quiero (Spanish, 2023)
  • Tefila (Hebrew, 2022)
  • David Broza Sings Leonard Cohen (English, 2022)
  • En Casa Limón (Instrumental Guitar, 2020)
  • The Golden Ring (Hebrew, 2018)
  • The Long Road (Single) (English, 2016)
  • We Are All Alike (All Tears Are Alike) (Single) (Hebrew, 2016)
  • Andalusian Love Song (Hebrew, 2015)
  • East Jerusalem / West Jerusalem (English, 2014)
  • Third Language (Hebrew, 2011)
  • Night Dawn: The Unpublished Poetry Of Townes Van Zandt (English, 2010)
  • At Masada: The Sunrise Concert featuring Shawn Colvin & Jackson Browne (English, 2007)
  • Broza 5 (Live at Zappa Tel Aviv, 2007)
  • Things Will Be Better: The Best of David Broza (JMG, 2006)
  • Parking Completo (Spanish and Hebrew, 2006)
  • Hameitav (Best Of in Hebrew, 2004)
  • Parking Completo (Spanish, 2004)
  • Todo O Nada (Spanish version of All or Nothing, 2002)
  • All Or Nothing (Hebrew, 2002)
  • Painted Postcard (English & Hebrew, 2002)
  • Spanish Heart (English, 2001)
  • Isla Mujeres (The Women's Island), DRO East West/Warner Records Spain (Spanish, 2000)
  • Matchil Linshom (Starting to Breathe), Hed Artzi/RGB Records Gold (Hebrew, 1999)
  • Sodot Gdolim (Big Secrets), RGB Records (Hebrew, 1995)
  • Stone Doors, RGB Records (English, 1994)
  • Second Street, RGB Records (English, 1994)
  • Elements of Love, RGB Records (Hebrew, 1994)
  • Masada Live, RGB Records Platinum (Hebrew, 1994)
  • Time of Trains, RGB Records (English, 1993)
  • Neshika Gnuva (Stolen Kiss), NMC Music (Hebrew, 1991)
  • First Collection, NMC Music (Hebrew, 1990)
  • Away From Home, RGB Records (English, 1989)
  • Poets in New York (Poetas en Nueva York) (contributor, Federico García Lorca tribute album, 1986)[10]
  • Broza, NMC Music (Hebrew, 1984)
  • Haisha Sheiti (The Woman by My Side), NMC Music Quadruple Platinum (Hebrew, 1983)
  • Klaf (ACE), NMC Music (Hebrew, 1981)
  • David Broza, NMC Music (Hebrew, 1979)
  • The Sixteenth Sheep, NMC Music (Hebrew, 1978)
  • Sikhot Salon (Small Talk), Phohokol (Hebrew, 1977)

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Broza

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David Broza (born 4 September 1955) is an Israeli , , and humanitarian activist distinguished for his fusion of , , and Middle Eastern musical elements, alongside advocacy for cross-cultural dialogue through music. Born in to parents of mixed Israeli, British, and European Jewish heritage—his mother, Sharona Aron, numbered among Israel's early folk singers, while his maternal grandfather, Wellesley Aron, helped establish the Habonim youth movement and the coexistence village—Broza experienced a peripatetic childhood, including time in and under Francisco Franco's regime. After mandatory and an initial pursuit of , he launched his recording career in his early twenties, achieving immediate prominence with the 1977 single "Yihyeh Tov" ("It Will Be Good"), composed amid the historic Israel-Egypt peace negotiations and adopted as an enduring anthem for optimism and reconciliation in Israeli society. Broza's discography includes the 1983 blockbuster album Ha'Isha She'Niti, Israel's highest-selling release at the time, and later works like the 2014 collaborative project /, featuring Palestinian and Israeli musicians to promote mutual understanding. As a and founder of the One Million Guitars initiative, which supplies instruments and training to underprivileged youth worldwide, he has channeled his platform toward , while post-October 7, 2023, performing over 300 benefit concerts for Israeli soldiers, wounded civilians, and displaced families in response to the attacks.

Early Life

Family Background and Childhood

David Broza was born on September 4, 1955, in , . His father, Arthur Broza (1924–2003), was an Israeli-British businessman of Jewish descent who conducted , while his mother, Sharona Aron, was one of Israel's early folk singers whose family traced roots to , , via , with both she and her mother born in . Broza had a sister, Talia Liram. Broza's early childhood was spent primarily in after the family relocated from , but international business commitments led to frequent moves, including time in and extended stays in , , where he attended a religious school from approximately ages 12 to 18. At age 12, his father purchased his first guitar, marking the onset of his musical interest amid these nomadic years shaped by his parents' peripatetic lifestyle. This multilingual upbringing—immersed in Hebrew, English, Spanish, and influences from diverse cultural environments—laid the foundation for Broza's later fusion of , and acoustic styles, though formal musical training began later in .

Influences and Formative Years

David Broza was born on September 4, 1955, in , , to Arthur Broza, an Israeli-British businessman, and Sharona Aron, one of the country's pioneering folk singers and the first Israeli woman to perform with a guitar. His mother's career exposed him early to American folk traditions, as she hosted influential performers such as , , and at the family home, fostering an initial appreciation for and guitar-based songwriting. At age 12, Broza received his first Spanish guitar from his father, marking the beginning of his self-directed musical exploration and providing an outlet for personal expression. From ages 12 to 18, he lived in , , attending a religious school, where immersion in local culture introduced him to flamenco rhythms and techniques, profoundly shaping his fingerpicking style and rhythmic sensibilities. He also spent time in during his teenage years, encountering rock 'n' roll and broader Western influences that complemented his emerging multicultural sound. Broza's formative influences coalesced around Spanish , American folk, and rock 'n' roll, alongside poetic traditions exemplified by figures like , reflecting the geographic and cultural transitions of his youth across , , and . These elements informed his guitar technique and songcraft, blending intricate flamenco strumming with folk introspection, prior to his return to and formal entry into music at age 22.

Military Service and Entry into Music

IDF Service

David Broza, born on September 4, 1955, returned to in 1973 at age 18 to fulfill his mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces, following years spent abroad in and . His service lasted the standard three years for male conscripts during that era, concluding around 1976. During his enlistment, Broza transferred to the IDF's entertainment corps, a unit dedicated to providing cultural and morale-boosting performances for troops. This posting aligned with his emerging interest in music, influenced by folk and international styles encountered abroad, including Joan Manuel Serrat's album Mediterráneo, which he carried with him upon return. In this role, he began developing his guitar skills and stage presence, laying foundational experience for his later professional pursuits, though he initially aspired to a in . Broza's time in the entertainment corps provided opportunities to perform, contributing to troop morale amid the post-Yom Kippur War period, though specific engagements from his service years remain undocumented in primary accounts. This phase marked a pivot from personal artistic ambitions to public performance, setting the stage for his and subsequent entry into Israel's music scene.

Initial Performances and Debut

Broza completed his mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces around age 21, after which he returned to and pursued music professionally. His entry into the public eye occurred in 1977, when he composed his breakthrough song "Yihye Tov" ("It Will Be Good") to lyrics by poet Yonatan Geffen, written on the eve of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's visit to for peace talks. The track, expressing optimism amid geopolitical tension, rapidly ascended to number one on Israeli charts and established Broza as a prominent voice in Israeli . This debut single marked Broza's initial recording success and prompted his first widespread performances across , blending folk influences from his international upbringing with Hebrew lyrics attuned to national sentiment. Building on the song's momentum, Broza released his self-titled debut album Sikhot Salon later that year, which included "Yihye Tov" and further showcased his acoustic guitar-driven style. In 1978, at age 23, Broza followed with the album Ha'Isha Sheli ("The Woman by My Side"), which sold quadruple platinum in and confirmed his commercial breakthrough, leading to expanded live appearances that highlighted his energetic stage presence. These early efforts positioned him as a figure, performing in venues that catered to emerging rock and folk audiences amid Israel's post-Yom Kippur War cultural landscape.

Musical Career

Rise to Prominence in Israel

Broza's entry into Israel's music scene occurred during his mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces in the mid-1970s, where he performed guitar-driven folk-rock sets in cafes and bars to supplement his income. These early appearances showcased his dynamic fingerpicking style, influenced by and Middle Eastern rhythms, which blended seamlessly with Hebrew lyrics and resonated with audiences seeking energetic, introspective sounds amid the post-Yom Kippur War era. Following his discharge around 1976, Broza collaborated with poet Yonatan Geffen to compose "Yihye Tov" ("It Will Be Good") on the eve of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's historic 1977 visit to , releasing it as a single that quickly climbed charts and became a of optimism, cementing his initial recognition. Despite moderate success with earlier pop-oriented efforts, Broza's career trajectory shifted dramatically with his third studio album, Ha'isha She'iti ("The Woman With Me"), released in February 1983. The record featured Hebrew adaptations of Spanish ballads and flamenco-inspired tracks, produced in collaboration with Geffen, tapping into a cultural for Mediterranean influences while introducing sophisticated arrangements that appealed to broad demographics. Selling over 240,000 copies initially and achieving quadruple , it shattered sales records to become Israel's best-selling for decades, propelling Broza from niche performer to stadium-filling with sold-out tours and media ubiquity. This commercial pinnacle solidified Broza's status in the Israeli pantheon alongside contemporaries like , as his live performances—known for marathon sets and audience sing-alongs—fostered a loyal following that extended beyond urban centers to kibbutzim and military bases. The album's enduring tracks, such as the title song, exemplified his ability to fuse global styles with local themes, laying the groundwork for his later multilingual expansions while establishing him as a voice of resilience in a nation navigating geopolitical tensions.

Key Albums and Commercial Success

Broza's breakthrough came with his self-titled debut album, David Broza, released in 1977, which achieved quadruple platinum status in and featured the hit single "Yihye Tov" ("It Will Be Good"), establishing him as a major artist in the Israeli music scene. This album blended folk-rock elements with Hebrew lyrics, resonating widely and marking his initial commercial dominance, with sales reflecting strong domestic appeal amid 's burgeoning rock scene. His 1983 album Ha'Isha She'iti (translated as "The Woman I Wanted" or "Woman By My Side"), featuring Hebrew adaptations of Spanish and pop songs, became one of Israel's top-selling and most chart-topping releases, also attaining quadruple certification and holding the record for the biggest-selling Israeli album for many years. The album's success, driven by tracks like adaptations of Latin ballads, sold over 165,000 copies, underscoring Broza's ability to fuse international influences with local tastes and solidifying his status. Throughout his career, Broza has released over 20 albums, with at least 16 achieving gold, platinum, or multi-platinum status in , including subsequent works like Klaf (1982) and later compilations that sustained his commercial viability. While international sales remained more modest, focusing on niche audiences in the U.S. and through English and Spanish releases, his domestic achievements—bolstered by consistent chart performance and live draw—affirm his position as one of 's most enduringly successful singer-songwriters.

International Expansion and Style Evolution

Broza's international presence grew significantly following his domestic breakthrough in the , with performances abroad commencing in 1977 and encompassing tours across the , , and as both a solo artist and with accompanying bands. His appeal extended beyond through multilingual releases, including over 40 albums featuring English, Hebrew, and Spanish tracks, several achieving multiplatinum status internationally. Key expansions included English-language efforts like Spanish Heart (2001), which highlighted cross-cultural themes, and collaborative projects drawing on global poetry set to music. In the 2020s, Broza reissued Spanish adaptations, such as La Mujer Que Yo Quiero (2023), a remake of his 1983 album translating Hebrew songs into Spanish, reflecting sustained Latin market engagement. His U.S. performances, including frequent appearances in New York and , solidified a secondary market after . Musically, Broza's style originated as Hebrew folk-rock infused with his multicultural upbringing—raised in , , and —incorporating rhythms and fingerpicking alongside rock elements from the outset. This fusion evolved toward greater experimentation, evident in albums like en Casa Limón (2020), his first all-instrumental release blending , , swing, , and pop guitar techniques. Recent works, including a pivot toward Latin influences, further diversified his sound while maintaining core percussive guitar dynamics.

Recent Releases and Ongoing Tours

In 2022, Broza released the album TEFILA, featuring prayer-inspired compositions blending Hebrew traditions with his signature acoustic style. The following year, he issued La Mujer Que Yo Quiero, a Spanish-language reimagining of his 1983 Hebrew album Ha'isha She'iti, which originally drew from translated Spanish boleros and flamenco influences to create a cross-cultural fusion; this version restores the songs to their linguistic origins while updating arrangements for contemporary audiences. Subsequent singles have included heartfelt covers of John Lennon's "Girl" and "Julia," released in late 2023, emphasizing Broza's interpretive depth on material. Further releases in 2024 comprised "No Te Prometo Nada" in and "In Love Again" in , maintaining his pattern of sporadic, thematically personal outputs amid touring commitments. Broza sustains a rigorous international tour schedule, with performances spanning , , and , often showcasing improvisational guitar work and collaborative sets. As of October 2025, confirmed dates include concerts at Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale on November 18, Théâtre Rialto in on November 20, and in on November 23, highlighting his enduring appeal in communities. These outings typically feature a mix of hits like "Yihye Tov" alongside newer material, reinforcing his role as a live performer undeterred by age or regional tensions.

Collaborations

Domestic and International Partnerships

Broza has maintained a longstanding creative partnership with Israeli poet and lyricist Yehonatan Geffen, beginning in 1977 with the composition of "Yihye Tov" ("It Will Be Good") on the eve of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's historic visit to Israel for peace negotiations. This collaboration extended to the 1983 album Ha'Isha She'Ahavti ("The Woman I Loved"), where Geffen adapted lyrics from Spanish-language songs into Hebrew, contributing to the album's commercial success and Broza's signature blend of folk-rock with Mediterranean influences. Their joint work also included setting Geffen's children's poems to music for the 1978 album The 16th Sheep, recorded alongside Israeli musicians such as Gidi Gov, Alon Olearchik, and Yoni Rechter. Internationally, Broza partnered with American artists and for the 2007 Sunrise Concert at , an event documented on the live album At Masada: Sunrise Concert, featuring joint performances of tracks like "Yihye Tov" and Browne's "." In 2010, he released Night Dawn: The Unpublished Poetry of , a posthumous project setting the late American songwriter's unpublished poems—bequeathed to Broza—to original music, highlighting Broza's style against Van Zandt's introspective verse. Broza also collaborated with U.S. singer-songwriter as producer and contributor on select recordings, including adaptations tied to Earle's song "."

Cross-Cultural and Thematic Projects

In 2013, Broza initiated an eight-day recording session in East Jerusalem's Palestinian-owned Al-Hoash studio, collaborating with Israeli and Palestinian musicians to produce the album East Jerusalem / West Jerusalem, released on February 4, 2014, by S-Curve Records. The project featured Palestinian artists including singer Muhammad Mughrabi, a refugee from Gaza, rappers Gadi Seri and Shaanan Street, and Arab-Israeli performer Mira Awad, alongside international contributors such as Wyclef Jean on the title track and Steve Earle providing vocals and songwriting. Comprising 14 tracks blending folk, rock, and Middle Eastern elements, the album aimed to demonstrate practical cross-cultural musical cooperation amid regional tensions, with Broza emphasizing music's potential to foster dialogue. The endeavor was documented in the 2014 film East Jerusalem West Jerusalem, directed by Jon Barker, which chronicles the recording process and interactions among participants from divided communities, highlighting instances of artistic synergy despite logistical challenges like checkpoint delays. Broza described the sessions as a model for grassroots reconciliation, though outcomes were limited to the creative sphere rather than broader political impact. In 2015, Broza released Andalusian Love Song in collaboration with the 35-member Andalusian Orchestra Ashkelon, fusing his repertoire—including hits like "Shir Ahava Bedoui"—with traditional Andalusian piyyutim, a form of medieval Jewish-Arabic devotional poetry originating from . The 17-track album, spanning over an hour, integrated rhythms and orchestral arrangements to evoke shared Sephardic and Mediterranean heritage, reflecting Broza's thematic interest in historical cultural intersections predating modern conflicts. This project extended his cross-cultural approach by bridging Israeli contemporary music with ancient Iberian-Arabic traditions, performed live in settings that underscored thematic unity. These initiatives underscore Broza's recurring focus on music as a medium for thematic exploration of coexistence, drawing from his multilingual in Hebrew, English, and Spanish, though of their influence remains anecdotal, centered on performer testimonials rather than measurable societal shifts.

Activism and Humanitarian Efforts

Peace Advocacy Initiatives

Broza's engagement in peace advocacy centers on leveraging music to facilitate dialogue between and , drawing from his family's legacy in coexistence efforts. His grandfather founded , a binational Arab-Jewish village near established in 1970 to model cooperative living. This background informs Broza's initiatives, including his 1977 song "Yihye Tov" ("It Will Be Good"), which articulates hope for reconciliation and has persisted as an unofficial anthem invoking optimism during periods of strife. A cornerstone project occurred in 2013, when Broza assembled around 40 Israeli and Palestinian musicians—along with a —for an eight-day recording session in . The endeavor produced the album East Jerusalem/West Jerusalem, featuring original compositions and covers performed collaboratively, with production oversight from ; nightly banquets by Israeli and Palestinian chefs supplemented the sessions to nurture interpersonal bonds. An accompanying , released in 2015 and later streamed on , chronicled the interactions amid prevailing regional tensions, aiming to demonstrate music's role in bridging divides. Broza has extended these efforts through hands-on educational programs, such as music workshops for children at the in , a densely populated site housing approximately 35,000 residents displaced since 1948. These sessions emphasize songwriting and performance to cultivate empathy across ethnic lines. Complementing this, his "One Million Guitars" initiative distributes instruments and training to disadvantaged youth globally, including in areas of conflict, with the goal of empowering participants via creative outlets. Earlier collaborations include a 2005 bilingual recording of "In My Heart" with Palestinian instrumentalist Said Murad, rendered in Hebrew and to underscore shared human aspirations.

Responses to Regional Conflicts

During the 2014 Gaza conflict, known as Operation Protective Edge from July 20 to August 26, Broza canceled a planned public concert at due to security risks but performed the event solo without an audience to affirm the resilience of music amid . He conducted performances in bomb shelters (miklatim) for civilians experiencing fear from rocket fire, describing these as acts of social support: "They are in a state of terror and fear... we become social workers in a sense. That’s my role - that’s what I can give." Broza emphasized that no could halt artistic expression, stating, "I’m an obstinate person... I didn’t want anything to stop me, certainly not a ," while rejecting military solutions to underlying conflicts and viewing music as a for . Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of over 250 hostages, Broza initiated daily performances for small audiences across the country, targeting soldiers, evacuees, and the wounded to foster hope and unity. By mid-December 2023, he had completed 116 pop-up concerts at sites including army bases, kibbutz lawns, bomb shelters, hotels housing displaced families, settlements such as and Tekoa, and rehabilitation centers like Loewenstein in . These events featured repeated renditions of his 1977 peace anthem "Yihyeh Tov" ("It Will Be Good"), which he sang multiple times daily as a message of endurance. Broza framed his efforts as his unique contribution to national resilience, analogizing: "If I was a doctor, I’d be in a . This is what I know how to do," while deliberately avoiding media coverage of the trauma to maintain focus on uplift. Amid the ensuing Israel-Hamas war, Broza sustained his long-term peace initiatives, continuing to assist in despite the hostilities, consistent with his lifelong advocacy for dialogue through music. He has positioned these wartime activities as complementary to broader efforts, underscoring music's role in bridging divides without endorsing from any side.

Opposition to Cultural Boycotts

David Broza has consistently opposed cultural boycotts targeting , arguing that they hinder dialogue and mutual understanding rather than fostering peace. He views music as a unifying force that transcends political barriers, stating that "music triumphs over everything" and rejecting boycotts that isolate Israeli artists. This position aligns with his broader advocacy for engagement, as he has criticized initiatives like the movement for erecting walls instead of bridges. In response to a 2017 open letter signed by over 100 international artists calling for a cultural of , Broza publicly condemned the effort, emphasizing that boycotts exacerbate divisions without addressing underlying conflicts. He reiterated this in interviews, declaring opposition to boycotting "anyone, not , no one," and advocating for artistic collaboration as a means to humanize opposing sides. Broza has also critiqued BDS-supporting musicians, including figures like , while covering their work to demonstrate that artistic exchange can persist amid disagreement. His stance persisted amid heightened boycott pressures, such as during regional conflicts. In 2023, following the attacks, Broza performed over 116 concerts in , defying calls for cultural isolation and maintaining that boycotts undermine nonviolent paths to resolution. He has warned that using art as a boycott tool is misguided, as it deprives participants of opportunities for empathy-building interactions, a principle he applied in projects like recording his 2014 album East Jerusalem/West Jerusalem with Palestinian musicians despite anti-normalization campaigns.

Criticisms and Controversies

Artistic and Commercial Critiques

Broza's guitar virtuosity and eclectic fusion of folk-rock, , and Middle Eastern elements have drawn acclaim from critics, with comparisons to for his tone-based soulfulness and finger-picking style. However, some reviewers have critiqued his output as charming and optimistic but lacking deeper emotional resonance, prioritizing message over profound musical innovation. Albums like En Casa Limón (2020) received praise for their flamenco foundation blended with diverse genres, yet noted for instrumental focus over lyrical depth in non-Hebrew tracks. The Set List (2017) was described as a relaxed retrospective emphasizing reconciliation themes, with standout tracks like "East Jerusalem West Jerusalem" co-written with , though its live format limited broader structural critique. Commercially, Broza has achieved substantial success domestically, with over 20 albums including multi-platinum sellers like The Woman By My Side (4x platinum) and his Spanish-influenced release becoming Israel's top-charting album. His early hit "Yihyeh Tov" topped Israeli charts in 1977, cementing superstar status there. Internationally, however, penetration has been niche, with modest streaming ranks (e.g., 18th in Israeli rock on as of recent data) and no major global breakthroughs despite tours and collaborations. This disparity reflects critiques of limited crossover appeal, attributed to language barriers and regional focus over universal pop accessibility.

Political Receptions and Debates

Broza's peace advocacy, centered on cross-cultural musical collaborations with to foster dialogue and a , has received acclaim from international humanitarians and dovish Israeli figures who view it as a pragmatic alternative to entrenched conflict narratives. However, his emphasis on personal engagement over institutional confrontation has drawn criticism from hardline elements within Israel's right-wing, who perceive such initiatives as naive concessions that undermine security priorities amid ongoing threats. His staunch opposition to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, articulated in a 2017 open letter to fellow artists, argues that cultural isolation of amplifies prejudice and hinders mutual understanding rather than promoting accountability. This stance has sparked debates with pro-BDS proponents in global left-leaning circles, who contend it overlooks alleged Israeli policies warranting economic pressure, while Broza counters that boycotts entrench divisions without addressing root causes like leadership failures on both sides. Domestically, Broza's participation in 2023 protests against Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reforms, where he performed his anthem "Yihyeh Tov" ("It Will Be Good") to rally demonstrators, aligned him with liberal opposition forces decrying erosion of democratic checks, eliciting backlash from government supporters who framed such activism as destabilizing amid security challenges. These engagements highlight broader Israeli debates on whether artistic interventions like Broza's prioritize hope over realism, with critics noting logistical hurdles in joint projects, including Palestinian hesitancy toward collaboration under political scrutiny. Despite this, Broza maintains that transcending boycotts—even of settlers—enables grassroots connections essential for long-term reconciliation.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Residences

David Broza was born on September 4, 1955, in , , to Arthur Broza, an Israeli-British businessman of German-Dutch Jewish descent, and Sharona Aron, one of 's early folk singers. His family relocated to , , when he was 12 years old, where he lived until age 18 amid the Franco dictatorship, an experience that influenced his worldview. He then returned to for mandatory , residing in a home originally constructed by his parents. Broza has three adult children—daughters Moran and sons Ramon and Adam—from his first marriage, which lasted approximately 30 years. He raised them primarily in , from 1984 to 2001, while establishing his U.S. career. In 2011, he married Israeli-American fashion designer , his second wife. Broza maintains residences in , where he grew up and continues to base part of his life, and in New York City's neighborhood with ; the couple also owns a retreat in . He divides his time between and the , reflecting his transnational career and family ties.

Cultural Impact and Recognition

David Broza's 1977 release "Yihyeh Tov" ("It Will Be Good") rapidly became a cornerstone of Israeli , embodying themes of and perseverance that resonated deeply amid national challenges, and it continues to be performed at public events as a of . His innovative fusion of flamenco-driven guitar techniques with folk-rock and Middle Eastern melodic structures has established him as a pivotal figure in Israeli , blending international influences into a distinctly local sound that has inspired cross-generational artists. Broza's discography, spanning over 30 albums in Hebrew, English, and Spanish, includes multiple multi-platinum releases that underscore his enduring commercial and artistic footprint in and abroad. In , Broza is hailed as one of the nation's premier musical exports and performers, with President describing him in 2019 as "the best of the best" for his contributions to culture and through . His efforts to bridge cultural divides via music have amplified his role in shaping public discourse on unity, particularly through initiatives that engage youth in collaborative performances across ethnic lines. Internationally, Broza's dynamic live shows and thematic emphasis on transcendence have garnered acclaim, positioning him as a ambassador for Israeli artistry in global folk and circuits. Broza has been honored with the President's Prize for Volunteerism in 2019, recognizing two decades of music-based programs fostering Arab-Jewish youth harmony. He received a from King Juan Carlos of for his cultural exchanges and Spanish-language recordings. Additional accolades include the Rimon Yakir Award, the Israel Union of Performing Artists Award, and the Award for his lifetime artistic achievements. These recognitions affirm his legacy as a multifaceted artist whose work extends beyond entertainment to promote intercultural and resilience.

Discography

Studio Albums

David Broza has released over a dozen studio albums since the late 1970s, blending Israeli folk rock with influences from Latin, Andalusian, and acoustic styles, often in Hebrew, English, or Spanish. His works frequently explore themes of love, peace, and personal reflection, with several achieving commercial success in Israel.
TitleRelease YearLabel/Notes
Klaf1982Hebrew album; vinyl release.
Broza1984Folk rock with Latin elements.
Ha'Isha She'ati (The Woman I Want)1983Hebrew original of Spanish-translated songs; Israel's top-charting album.
Stolen Kiss (Neshika Genuva)1991CD album release in Israel.
Away from Home1989U.S. debut album.
Time of Trains1993English-language release.
Parking Completo2004Bilingual Spanish-Hebrew tracks.
Isla Mujeres2005Spanish-language album.
East Jerusalem West Jerusalem2014Collaboration with Palestinian and Israeli musicians; produced by Steve Earle.
Andalusian Love Song (Shir Ahava Andalusi)2015Tribute to Andalusian influences.
En Casa Limón2020First fully instrumental album, focusing on guitar.
Tabaat Hazahav (The Golden Ring)2018Hebrew release.
Tefila2022Hebrew prayer-themed album.
La Mujer Que Yo Quiero2023Spanish re-recording of 1983 hit album.

Live Albums and Compilations

Broza's live recordings emphasize his energetic stage presence and improvisational style, often incorporating guest artists and spanning his Hebrew, English, and Spanish repertoire. Broza 5 Live, a double-CD set released in , documents a collaborative with jazz musicians , Julio Fernandez, Cyro Baptista, and Francisco Centeno, featuring 16 tracks including "Stolen Kiss" and "The Woman By My Side." The album highlights Broza's fusion of folk-rock with Latin and elements during an intimate live setting. Another key live release is David Broza At : The Sunrise Concert with and , a two-CD issued in 2008, capturing a sunrise performance at the ancient fortress of in 2007. This 27-track set includes Broza's originals like "The Chileno Boys" alongside covers, blending acoustic intimacy with the site's symbolic resonance for Israeli audiences.
Album TitleRelease YearFormatLabel/Notes
Broza 5 Live20062×CDSisu Home Entertainment; live collaboration
David Broza At : The Sunrise Concert with and 20082×CDFeatures 27 tracks from performance
Compilations of Broza's work primarily draw from his hits across decades, often mixing studio and select live tracks to showcase his peace-themed anthems and romantic ballads. The Best Of David Broza, a two-CD retrospective released in 2004 in , compiles tracks such as "Mutar Lomar" and "Seniorita," spanning his pop-folk output. Hameitav (2004) and Things Will Be Better: The Best of David Broza (2006) similarly aggregate fan favorites like "Yihye Tov," emphasizing his enduring appeal in Hebrew-language markets. The Set List (2016), functioning as a career-spanning compilation with live versions of songs like "Shir Ahava Bedui," reflects his concert staples.
Compilation TitleRelease YearFormatNotes
The Best Of David Broza20042×CDIsraeli release with early hits
Hameitav2004Selection of popular tracks
Things Will Be Better: The Best of David Broza2006Focus on optimistic themes
The Set List2016Includes live renditions of classics

References

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