Since the end of the 19th century and particularly since the establishment of the State of Israel, the country has hosted immigrants from all over the world – a unique phenomenon that brings together different, diverse and sometimes contradictory cultures. The creation of a common artistic and cultural expression plays an important role in becoming a “nation”; leaning on tradition, but also creating a new language. Over the years, various artists and musicians in particular tried to produce a musical language in Israel that would respond to and represent as many “source cultures” as possible. This unique cultural mixture created a new and fascinating language in many fields, especially in folk music. Ongoing debates in Israel ask, e.g., what Israeli music is, if “authentic” Israeli music exist and how it navigates commitment to tradition and multiculturalism. Danny Donner will illustrate his talk with audio samples, musical explanations and demonstrations of short joint singing pieces.