Singing Independence: Peres and Rita have a smooch
President, prime minister, chief of staff and defense minister sing Arik Einstein songs accompanied by famous Israeli singers.
After honoring 120 outstanding IDF soldiers and officers at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, President Shimon Peres celebrated Israel's 66th birthday in a duet with Israeli singer Rita.
Cuddling and exchanging kisses, Rita and Peres sang "Oof Gozal" ("Fly, Young Bird") by Israeli singer Arik Einstein.
The event "Singing Independence" at the President's Residence honored the memory of Arik Einstein and all songs performed were from the beloved singer's catalog.
"Shimon, hold me close. You're going to leave our nest too, right?" Rita told Peres during the performance, referring to his impending retirement from the role of president.
Ever the optimist, the 90-year-old president replied with, "but I'm going to fly."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was joined by Shlomi Saranga for a rendition of Einstein's "Shir HaShayara" ("The Procession Song").
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon was joined by Koby Afllalo to sing "Ima Adama" ("Mother Earth"), while IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz was joined by Yuval Dayan to sing "Shir Shel Aharey Milhama" ("A Song For After the War").
"The State of Israel is a place that, unfortunately, from time to time experiences war, and we of course must be prepared for them, but at the end of the day there's a lot of optimism here. This song mentions hope, and hope in the State of Israel is very important - not just as an anthem ("The Tikvah") but as a way of thought. It's an optimistic song," the chief of staff explained his selection.
The IDF band also provided entertainment with a string of Arik Einstein songs.
