Galgalatz Radio Reflects Israel's Mood Amidst Return to Violence

Galgalatz, Israel's largest radio station, has been grappling with the country's mood amidst the latest return to violence. The military-owned pop music broadcaster, which commands 28% of Israel's daily listeners, has found itself shaping the mood of a country stunned by the conflict.

The role of media in shaping public sentiment and morale during times of conflict is crucial, and Galgalatz's efforts to balance the emotional needs of its listeners have significant implications for the country's social cohesion and resilience. Moreover, the station's response to the crisis can serve as a model for other media outlets in similar situations, highlighting the importance of responsible and empathetic broadcasting during times of turmoil.

Every Tuesday, the playlist committee gathers to debate what songs to add to the station's rotation. However, over the past seven months of war, the committee has been grappling with more profound concerns, such as gauging and shaping the mood of the country. "We ask a lot of these philosophical questions through music and our work. We have to not only convey the spirit of the people, also help lift the spirits sometimes,"saidAhinoam Baer, hostof the station's afternoon drive-time show.

Music has traced the emotional arc of a country that has been stunned, sad, furious, and bloodthirsty. Grief has brought new reasons for song, with families burying their dead reaching out to artists and soldiers seeking a lift as they prepare for battle. Across Israel, musicians have performed hundreds of free shows. "Music can make you feel all kinds of ways. It can also just resonate with you and make you feel not alone," said Eyal Davidi, a rapper and music producer known as Shekel.

When the conflict began on October 7, 2022, Galgalatz quickly shifted to comforting, funereal, and slow songs. The station has since treaded a fine emotional line, caught between listeners who want joyful tunes and those who are angry over the grimness. To accommodate, Galgalatz opened itself to more listener requests and began dedicating songs to hostages held captive. "You don't want to play the wrong song at the wrong time," said Nadav Ravid, managing director of Galgalatz.

War has forged new musical connections, including to the country's own soldiers who have been stripped of phones in combat. In Gaza, radio has become their only link home. Some soldiers have called the station to report getting a tattooed image of a radio receiver. Music has brought consolation and motivation to those affected by the conflict. Galgalatz host Ahinoam Baer recalled a performance for soldiers who requested Disney songs from Moana and Frozen, saying, "It was so adorable."

Why this matters: The conflict, which began on October 7, 2022, has resulted in over 34,000 deaths in Gaza, according to authorities. Israel marks Holocaust Memorial Day and a day of national remembrance for its own soldiers every year. Some songs, such as "Sing Hallelujah" and Israeli tracks sung in Arabic, have been struck from the rotation due to concerns about triggering listeners. Exuberant Mizrahi tunes have been replaced by songs like "Getting Out of Depression," which has become a new kind of anthem.

Key Takeaways

• Galgalatz, Israel's largest radio station, shapes the country's mood during conflict.
• Music balances emotional needs, lifting spirits and conveying national sentiment.
• Playlist committee gauges and shapes mood, considering listener requests and emotions.
• Music brings comfort, motivation, and connection to soldiers and those affected by conflict.
• Radio station treads fine emotional line, avoiding triggering songs and promoting unity.