This is how British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher became Ofra Haza’s personal agent…

This month, September, about 40 years ago – British Prime Minister Thatcher arrived on a state visit to Israel at the invitation of Prime Minister Shimon Peres. On the evening of her arrival, Peres held a spectacular banquet in her honor – in the ‘Chagall Halls’ in the Knesset.

For the artistic program I brought [since the private secretary of the Prime Minister also becomes an promoter, in certain cases…] Ofra Haza, the wonderful Yemenite songbird, and in addition to an authentic repertoire that we decided on together, she also performed, at my suggestion, Green Sleeves, which was composed, words and music [!], no less and no more than by the famous King of England, Henry VIII…

Thatcher She was overcome with excitement, and finally approached Haza, kissed her on the forehead and announced to the singer – in front of the hundreds of jubilant guests – that from now on she, the British Prime Minister – would serve as a personal agent for her talents!

And indeed, not long after, Ofra Haza was cast in Hollywood by the Walt Disney Studios to sing and voice the character of Yocheved, the sister of Moses – in the animated musical film, The Prince of Egypt – which conquered the world at that time…

Bingo!

Today, to the tender memory of Ofra Haza, I dedicate here the words of my song –

This is how I will remember you!

Come, my exemplary girl –

All your treasures, the pearls,

From the depths of the sea have been plucked –

In the hands of blessed dolls.

Under the protection of a hidden angel

Take off with your hands today –

And a host of my desires surround you

Like a waterfall mating.

Come, my exemplary girl –

Not my poor one, a glutton…

And if your soul went out to make love

Thick smoke here will be mixed with you –

And under the protection of a hidden angel

Your spirit in my soul is bound,

A sky with the colors of the heart is smeared

Praise – His blessed name!

Your nobility, girl-girl, unharmed…

Your sanctification – a parable.

You saw gods whose height was high

Their thrones – a crossword puzzle of wonder.

But even these did not achieve my desire,

The desire of a panther-hunter… Now –

Bungee jump, eyes closed,

Oh God: Let what must happen happen!