Chai – 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

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