Chai - The Jewish Agency and Netta Barzilai

"Chai," the iconic song by Ofra Haza, is being brought to life anew in a special project by The Jewish Agency for Israel and Netta Barzilai. In this moving musical initiative, Barzilai and The Jewish Agency created a powerful new rendition of "Chai," originally written by Ehud Manor and composed by Avi Toledano, and famously performed by Haza at the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest in Munich—a song that became a symbol of Israeli pride and hope. Produced by the Bruckner Yaar Levi agency, the new version captures the deep emotions of hope and pain that have shaped Israeli society and the Jewish people since October 7, bringing a fresh and urgent meaning to Israel in 2025 through Barzilai’s powerful voice. The new rendition is accompanied by a music video featuring new immigrants, Jewish Agency Shlichim (emissaries) from around the world, program participants, and staff members. Together, through connection, shared purpose, and action, they symbolize the resilience of Israel as it heals from the wounds of war and longs for the return of the hostages still held captive. The song, video, and full project—available on The Jewish Agency’s website—express the organization’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding Israel and strengthening the bonds between Jewish communities around the world. The project was produced in honor of Israel’s 77th Independence Day. Netta Barzilai Lyrics: Ehud Manor Music: Avi Toledano Lyrics: Listen, my people I’m still alive and my eyes are still raised up to the light I have many thorns but many flowers, my years ahead are too numerous to count I ask And I pray I know that hope is still alive Alive, alive, alive Yes, I’m still alive This is the song my grandfather sang long ago to my father and today, I sing it too Alive, alive, alive I’m still Am Yisrael Chai (The people of Israel is alive) This is the song my grandfather once sang to my father and today, I sing it too Alive Listen, my people I’m still alive and my eyes are still raised up to the light So here’s to life To all my friends To our people who seek to return home I ask and I pray I know that hope is still alive I’m still alive Am Yisrael Chai (The people of Israel is alive) This is the song my grandfather sang long ago to my father and today, I sing it too yes, I’m still alive My days are full of life and also my nights and in my skies the pillar of fire still stands I’ll sing forever I’ll reach out my hand to my friends across the sea When we come together, we make hope bloom. שמעו אחי, אני עוד חי ושתי עיני עוד נישאות לאור. רבים חוחי אך גם פרחי ולפני שנים רבות מספור. אני שואל ומתפלל טוב שלא אבדה עוד התקווה. חי, חי, חי כן, אני עוד חי. זה השיר שסבא שר אתמול לאבא והיום אני. אני עוד חי, חי, חי, עם ישראל חי. זה השיר שסבא שר אתמול לאבא והיום אני. שמעו אחי, אני עוד חי ושתי עיני עוד נישאות לאור. אז כה לחי לכל אורחיי ולבניי המבקשים לחזור. אני שואל... חי, חי, חי... הומים ימי ולילותי ובשמי עמוד האש עוד קם. אשיר בלי די, אפרוש ידיי לידידיי אשר מעבר ים. Performed by: Netta Barzilai The Jewish Agency Team: Fiana Drang, Global Chief Marketing Officer Moria Dvir, Director of Marketing Content Shirley Hershkovitz, Art Director Avi Bass, Director of U.S. Marketing Ami Cohen, Content Development Manager Karin Levy, Marketing Director, ROW Keren Picker, Social Media Manager Behind the scenes video production: Yoni Sonnenschein Follow us! www.facebook.com/jewishagency www.instagram.com/jewishagency www.x.com/jewishagency www.jewishagency.org