Local Israeli authorities lose a little freedom on Independence Day

Independence Day is an Israeli happening. City streets are decorated with flags and colorful lights, and downtowns are filled with food stalls, balloons and inflatable hammers, creating a carnival atmosphere. At the center of the action are the stages for entertainment organized by local authorities. The best Israeli artists perform for the occasion, with those most in demand moving from town to town without rest, performing multiple times in one night. In recent years, the competition to bring the most famous (and expensive) artists to town has gotten out of control.

The high prices paid to these artists from public coffers has more than once sparked debate. In addition, the artists raise their prices every year. For example, Omer Adam, one of the most popular and successful singers in Israel in recent years, performed for 140,000 NIS ($39,000) in 2017 and raised his price to 205,000 NIS ($57,000) in 2018. This year, his price skyrocketed to 292,000 NIS ($81,000), for about half an hour of music.

Such price increases are not unique to Adam. In 2016, the most expensive artist was Moshe Peretz, who charged 198,000 NIS ($55,000) for Independence Day performances, but this year it is Adam, whose fee represents a jump of more than 30%. The problem is that although the mayor organizes these celebrations, it is residents who end up paying the high prices or them. 

On April 29, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri decided to adopt the recommendation of a public committee to cap payments to artists for Independence Day shows at no more than 70,000 NIS ($19,500) for an hour-long performance. According to Deri, “There’s no reason that disadvantaged local authorities should pay exorbitant prices to singers on Independence Day beyond their abilities. This causes serious deficits for some of the authorities. These exaggerated prices come at the expense of other essential services, and there’s no reason for them to be hurt.”