JERUSALEM — Yonatan Razel, 53, was conscious and in stable condition after suffering a brain hemorrhage, according to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. The Israeli singer, composer, pianist, lyricist, and musical arranger is currently hospitalized at the facility.
"Yonatan’s condition is stable, and we are grateful for the many prayers for his recovery. We ask that people continue to pray for his healing," the family said. The family also requested that prayers be said and stated it is not interested in giving media interviews at this stage.
Razel began his musical career as a teenager in a family band with his siblings. After enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces as an outstanding musician, he served as an arranger in a military ensemble. Following his military service, he studied conducting and worked with the Israel Chamber Orchestra and the Ra’anana Symphonette Orchestra.
At one stage, Razel stepped away from music, moved to the Sussiya community, worked as a shepherd, and studied psychology. He later returned to music with the release of his debut album, Sach Hakol (All in All), in 2007, which was produced by Eviatar Banai.
His second album, Bein Ha’tzlilim (Between the Sounds), achieved gold status and featured the popular songs “Katonti” and the title track. In 2013, his song “Va’ani Ashir,” performed with Shuli Rand, was named song of the year by ACUM, Israel’s copyright collective for composers and authors.
Razel released his third album, Poteach Lev (Opening the Heart), in 2017. In June 2024, he appeared on the single “Hallelujah” by Moshe Peretz. In December 2024, he released the singles “Ana Avda” and “Kama Tov BeYisrael.”