Thousands of Israelis gathered Wednesday afternoon in Tel Aviv's Kikar Rabin to mourn the death of iconic singer Arik Einstein, The Jerusalem Post reported.
Einstein, 74, considered Israel’s most popular singer and songwriter,suffered a severe aortic aneurysm at his home Tuesday night and was declared dead at Ichilov hospital, in Tel Aviv, soon afterwards.
From the square, a commemorative procession was set to lead to Einstein’s final resting place at Trumpledor Cemetery.
Considered the father of Israeli rock, the musician who moved the country from its early folk standards to a moderately harder-hitting rock ethos, symbolized the spirit of the State of Israel. He was not just a musician but a musical icon who accompanied, and inspired, the country and its people through its ongoing history and, along the way, managed to resonate with every type of Israeli.
Politicians from across Israel’s political spectrum - left, right, religious, secular, Jewish and Arab - paid tribute to Einstein.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, attended Einstein's open funeral in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square.
"Last night was a sad night after we learned about the death of our national singer, Arik Einstein, who is beloved by all," Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein said in the plenum.
"Arik sang: 'Ani VeAta' ,You and I will change the world. I hope that this house will continue to change the world for the better for citizens of Israel."