When the call from Mifal HaPayis arrived, the surprise was absolute.

We hadn't remembered at all that Ofer Amsalem—(bless his soul)—had nominated us for the award. And suddenly, we were being notified that the Jerusalem Piyyut Ensemble was selected by the committee to receive the 2026 Landau Prize for Sciences and Arts in the Music category!

Beyond the immense honor, the core of our excitement stems from the recognition of our work over the years—20 years, to be exact. It has been a long journey filled with deep faith and continuous exploration; an ongoing dialogue between ancient tradition and a free spirit, bridging this current moment in time with the musical worlds and great souls of the ensemble's members.
 

We deeply cherish being part of the context of Israeli art—this unique creation that can only grow here in this country, in Jerusalem, while carrying within it a timeless and universal spark.

Anyone currently leading a cultural institution is well aware of the challenging reality of grinding one’s teeth on the way up the mountain. When a moment like this arrives, it is much more than just a gust of wind in our sails.
The ceremony will not take place on 15/7/26, but our gratitude is here and now.
 

Our deepest thanks go out to:

• The committee members who chose us.

• Our partners at Yad Ben-Zvi who have walked with us hand-in-hand for 20 years: to CEO Yaniv Mezuman, VP Adi Ofer, Head of the Culture Department Yael Gidinian, and the entire beloved Yad Ben-Zvi team.

• Yael Offenbach, the ensemble's producer, and Ofer Amsalem, who accompanies and guides us.

• Yvonne Kahn, who walked alongside us for many years and brought us to prominent stages around the globe.

• Roy Folkman and the members of the Board of Directors!

• CPA Dvir Ginzburg, Miriam, and Hodaya from the office!

• Nitzan Zeira and Einav Ravitz from our label, Nana Disc.

• And to each and every member of the ensemble, from our youngest member, aged 26, to our eldest, aged 88.

A true family.
 

A blessed and rare fellowship (Chavruta).

Yosef Abuhatzeira, Hallelujah Abuhatzeira, Nero Abekasis, Eliyahu Edrei, Yehuda Edrei, Herzl Amoyal, Lev Elman, Shlomi Ben Lulu, Rafael Ben Shushan, Aner Zaguri, Hanani Zait, Avraham Cohen, Simon Cohen, Eliyahu Dagmi, David Dagmi, Yair Harel, Neria Moyal, Ariel Smith, Daniel Ivryn, and Kobi Assor.

One final, major thank you—which is also the first—goes to the great master, Rabbi Haim Louk, from whom we have been privileged to learn so much, and to all the teachers who have guided us throughout the years.

We wish ourselves continued, fruitful, and meaningful creation and artistic work ahead.
 

Yair & Avi