Yemeni-Jewish Singer Ofra Haza died [Archives:2000/09/Local News]

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February 28 2000

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Jewish singer of Yemeni origin, Ofra Haza passed away in a hospital, south of Tel Aviv on Wednesday 23. The popular singer was taken to hospital on February 12 following a rise of her temperature. According to doctors’ reports she was suffering from pneumonia disease. Ofra was very popular singer especially in Europe and she won many awards in different countries. She also had many fans in Yemen. Following her death’s announcement, hundreds flocked to the hospital to make sure of the shocking news. Ofra tried to visit Yemen but she could not obtain a passport other than an Israeli one. After many attempts Yemen agreed to let her visit Yemen provided that she got a non-Israeli passport.
Ofra Haza is an artist whose roots are the core of her music. Born in Israel to a Jewish-Yemeni family of 8 brothers and sisters, Ofra was surrounded by traditional culture, music and the beautiful voice of her motherÑthe perfect environment to develop a singing superstar.
Ofra’s career began at the age of 12 and by the time she was 19, her solo career was launched.
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