The Habima National Theater, produced by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, held a memorial ceremony for singer Hofni Cohen, who passed away. His coffin was placed in Hall 4 when the public was invited to come and pay their last respects, before his funeral begins at 14:30 p.m. at Nachalat Yitzhak Cemetery. Hundreds of people came to pay their last respects, including friends, family and fans who accompanied his many years of work. Among the guests who came to pay their last respects to Hofni were Oshik Levy, Matti Seri and Avihu Medina.
The funeral ceremony for the late singer Hofni Cohen in Habima Hall, photo: Coco
The ceremony was opened by singer Yizhar Cohen, Hofni's brother, who said: "On behalf of myself and my family, I want to thank all of you for honoring him and us and coming to pay your last respects. Most of you knew him as a unique person, in his witty and funny forays on stage and in life itself. Some people are born with the energy of light.
"It's genetically safe because our whole family is lit up... Our mother is sitting here, Mrs. Sarah Cohen, I want to thank you for giving us an older brother who gave us happiness. He was an amazing father and grandfather. A wonderful friend. We have been able to enjoy you for 76 years but I am sure that you will continue to give us happiness in the future and be with us every moment. Stay in touch."
The funeral ceremony for the late singer Hofni Cohen in Habima Hall, photo: Coco
Mayor Ron Huldai came up to eulogize Hofni, followed by Cohen's brother, Keshet, Vardina's son, who sang and moved those present.
Ran Connick, mayor of Givatayim, the city where the family grew up, said: "The handfuls of the artist everyone knows and I was reluctant to talk about his talent and art, but I was always in awe and will forever remember that no matter where and with whom he sat, the president of the state or friends from the neighborhood, when you came to the table you would understand that this table has only one star and the rest are supporting actors."
Head of the Culture Administration at the Ministry of Culture Fortuna Galit Vahaba Shasho followed him and said: "Hofni excelled in his singing and love for the singer and football for all of us. He had fine humor and a captivating laugh. The poetry of his life was accompanied by sources and tradition and his love for Israelis everywhere. I have come to salute you on behalf of Culture Minister Miki Zohar and the ministry employees."
Yoel Lieba, a representative of the Israel Artists Association, said: "Everyone has their own Cohen handfuls and the handful I know had a huge heart that helps artists and promotes them." At the end of his remarks, the audience applauded at length in memory of Hofni.
Handfuls of Cohen. He passed away at the age of 76, Photo: Arik Sultan
The family members, Yizhar, Keshet and Vardina, ended with a song that Hufni loved very much, "And Maybe," after thanking the man who donated a kidney to Hofni. The audience in the hall joined in the singing and not a single dry eye remained.
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