(live here) – Ronen Shir, a 59-year-old composer, writes and composes Hebrew songs in the flavor of yesteryear, with great love for the country, the IDF, and the values of Zionism. His life story and his songs are intertwined, revealing a touching personal journey that begins with military service and continues through family experiences, commitment to the Land of Israel, and a true love of music. In an era when traditional values are sometimes marginalized, Ronen Shir continues to hold on to them and voice them in a clear and genuine voice.
The first inspiration: Daughter's enlistment day
During his military service, Ronen Shir sang as a Gadna instructor and later as a member of the Gadna's live band team - an experience that shaped his deep connection to the songs of the military bands. The inspiration for writing the songs returned to him personally the day his daughter enlisted in the IDF. When she boarded the bus on her way to a scouting course in the south, Ronen was unable to stop the flow of words and melody that first began to take shape in him.
His daughter initially asked him not to write anything about her role, but the song "Tazfitanit 2019" was already on its way to the world. When he recorded it and sent it to a senior rank in the military system – a brigadier general from the worlds of observation – it received a warm and moving response. Proof of the song's success came at a surprising moment: his daughter was sitting in the command center, and she heard that senior officer congratulate her on her father's creation.
The "Seeing and Unseen" Project: A Salute to Female Fighters in the IDF
Just three months before the outbreak of the Iron Sword War, Ronen Shir chose to launch a unique collection of three poems under the title "Seeing and Unseen." Each poem was dedicated to a different female soldier – at sea, in the air, and on land – who serve in similar roles but in different arenas. The idea was to shine a light on the quiet and important work of female soldiers, many of whom engage in critical but hidden activities from the public eye.
The songs were recorded and published, touching the hearts of many even before the war broke out. In retrospect, the move was seen as more relevant and correct than ever, as we all realized the importance of every soldier in Israel's security apparatus.
"Here is the border": A song of salute to Border Guard soldiers
During the difficult days of fighting, Ronen felt a deep need to strengthen the spirit of both fighters and civilians. To this end, he wrote "Here is the Border" – a song of tribute to the Border Guard and its fighters, Jews, Druze, Muslims and Christians alike.
To perform the song, he recruited three military band graduates, who together created a moving and authentic performance. Ronen proposed the song to the heads of the Border Guard, and the warm responses and appreciation he received only strengthened his sense of mission: his music manages to raise morale and connect people to values and love of the country.
"Generations Embrace Your Beauty": A Song About Jerusalem Filmed in All Its Quarters
Ronen Shir doesn't stop at military themes. One of the works closest to his heart is the poem "Generations Embrace Your Beauty," written about 15 years ago after a visit to the Western Wall. The poem, which praises the beauty and eternity of Jerusalem, was filmed in all quarters of the Old City – Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian – to illustrate the diversity and unity of the holy place. Here, too, reality slapped him in the face: shortly after the project was completed, a war of iron swords broke out. But the spirit of hope that the poem conveys remained intact.
Warm reactions from the field: "Thank you for reminding us what's important"
Ronen says that he frequently receives warm and moving responses from people from all over the country. Female observers and their families, Border Guard soldiers, and ordinary citizens – all find his songs a source of pride and encouragement.
Many ask him in amazement how it is possible that an independent artist manages to express those feelings and loves, while official military bands sometimes seem disconnected from these authentic feelings. Ronen, with characteristic equanimity, replies: "Ask others, not me."
"Think about ICT": A song saluting the soldiers behind the scenes
As part of the desire to expand the scope of the tribute, Ronen chose to write a song about the ICT Corps – one of the least publicized and visible troops in the IDF. The song "Important in ICT" presents the critical contribution of non-combat soldiers, without whom the military and operational systems could not be maintained.
Through the song, Ronen seeks to emphasize the importance of appreciating and respecting every soldier, no matter who they are, and not just those fighting on the front lines.
The Musical Family: The Next Generation on Stage
Ronen speaks with great pride about his two children, who continue his path in their own unique way. His daughter, who served as an observer and is currently serving in the reserves, and his son Ido – a creator, composer, singer and one of the most powerful YouTubers in Israel with close to a million followers.
Ido and his father made a short, simple video of Ronen sitting on a bench wet with fresh paint. Despite the simple idea, the video garnered around 70 million views, demonstrating how honest and authentic connection touches people quickly and deeply.
Iranian roots and uncompromising Zionism
Ronen's family story begins even before he was born: his parents immigrated from Iran in 1953, out of the courageous Zionism of his mother, who insisted on coming to Israel despite the difficulties. The family was sent to the Aliyah Gate in Haifa, and then to Kiryat Shmona, then the Keshet Yom development town. His father, who despite his desire to return to Tehran remained in Israel, worked as a construction worker his entire life. Despite the difficulties, he made sure to cultivate a great love for music and culture at home. He encouraged his children to play and sing, even at great personal cost. The message was clear: music and love for the country are ironclad assets, independent of economic status. In the Shir family, out of ten siblings, five played and sang, and so the next generation continues the tradition.
A family united across continents
Despite the geographical dispersion – two sisters currently live in the United States – Ronen’s family maintains a close and special bond. The gatherings, when they do occur, are filled with love, music and shared memories.
The values of unity, tradition, and Zionism continue to beat in the heart of the family, and are clearly expressed in Ronen Shir's work - a work that does not seek to be trendy or sophisticated, but rather simple, profound, and touching.
A deep, moving and touching article. A rare combination of factual content with emotion and truth. The talent of the writer who sings, composes and expresses so much with delicacy and precision is simply inspiring.
A reading experience that continues to resonate even after.