Israeli Singer Idan Haviv Opens Up About His Growing Faith in Hashem

Singer Idan Haviv, who has become one of Israel’s most beloved performers in recent years, opened up to his followers over the weekend about the spiritual journey he has been experiencing. In a video posted before Shabbat, Haviv was asked about the inspiration behind his new song, “Modeh LaShem,” and shared that he is in the midst of a process of spiritual growth.

“Growing Stronger in Faith”

Later in the session, Haviv was asked whether he has been growing stronger spiritually.

“Of course, all the time,” he replied. “Growing stronger in faith, growing stronger physically, growing stronger spiritually, materially. Everything is important. We don’t leave anything behind. We go full speed ahead.”

Speaking about the inspiration for “Modeh LaShem,” Haviv explained that the song grew out of a desire to recognize and appreciate the blessings that can easily go unnoticed in everyday life.

“I felt that I needed to say thank you, and to capture those little moments in life that we sometimes don’t notice,” he said.

Remembering Yossi Tahar, HY"D

Haviv, who served as a fighter and commander in Shayetet 13, also spoke about the loss of Yossi Tahar, HY"D, one of the soldiers who had served under his command. Tahar later became a senior commander in the Shin Bet and was killed during the Simchat Torah massacre.

“Over the years that passed, stories about Yossi and his endless heroism never stopped reaching me, and I would be filled with pride, even though it belongs entirely to his parents,” Haviv said.

In an interview following Yossi’s death, Haviv recalled that the two had remained in contact even after their lives took them in very different directions.

“Every now and then, Yossi would come to one of my shows, and I admit I felt awkward about the situation. More than once, he sent me a good word about a song that came out, because it was important to him to stay in touch and show that he was here, even though I had already moved on to a parallel world.”

Haviv also described Yossi’s extraordinary actions on the day of the massacre.

“On the day of the massacre, Yossi charged forward as he knew how to do, saved lives, and killed terrorists in the middle of a scene where no one understood where it began or where it ended. Through his instincts and skills, Yossi listened in on the radio of one of the terrorists he had killed and relayed the crucial information back, helping our forces prepare and saving many civilians and soldiers.”

For Haviv, whose recent reflections have centered on faith, gratitude, and appreciating the moments that can so easily be overlooked, the memory of his former soldier adds another deeply personal dimension to that journey.