Interview with Esther Ofarim
(rough English translation):
"I think I'm a stranger. I'm a stranger everywhere" Disappointment with Israel's treatment of refugees from Ukraine, reluctance from the behavior of the son of her ex-husband Abi Ofarim, and the feeling after 60 years abroad that she has no home.
Exclusive interview with the legendary Esther Ofarim on the occasion of her performance with Yoni Rechter at the Holon Theater.
"Who
will give chicken
A small branch bird
In infinity wanderings
My mind is tormented"
This is how "The Wandering Song" (also known as "Who will
give a chicken"), written 90 years ago by David Shimoni and especially
known for the cover version of Esther Ofarim, opens. The words describing the
chicken wanderings also referred to the wanderers of Ofarim, who left Israel
decades ago and lives in Germany. These days, "The Wandering Song" can
also call for the great crisis of Ukrainian refugees, caused by the Russian
invasion of their country. It fits in with the description of their tormented
soul from the wanderings imposed on them, and they can identify with the line
that seals it: "I have no nest to rest." "Unfortunately, we can
say that the theme of this song is eternal, and certainly relevant today,"
says Esther Ofarim to Walla! Culture in a conversation from Hamburg, Germany,
"When I talk to a good friend of mine about murders, the answer is: Cain
also murdered Abel. It's an old story that never ends. Really what is happening
today is so sad and all depressing. But we must continue on our own."
Part
of the sadness also stems from the fact that there are countries that are not
willing to bring these war refugees into their territory.
"Israel
was very, very disappointed in me. Israel's response to Ukrainian President
Zalansky was very lukewarm, I would say. But I understand that there may be
logistical and security reasons."