Musician Israel Portnoy told Arutz Sheva about his life following the fire that burned down the central Israeli town of Mevo Modi'im on Lag B'Omer of last year. We met him outside of the burned-down community to discuss his experiences since the tragedy and his plans for the future.

Portnoy lost personal property including lyrics he'd compiled over the years but managed to salvage his guitar and decided to continue performing.

A year after the tragedy, with no solution for the relocation of the community in sight, we had a chance to talk to Portnoy ahead of his unique commemoration, featuring touching, sincere songs about the tragedy, feeling of loss, and hope to return, rebuild and continue his music career as well as life in the once-bustling town.

Israel Portnoy
Israel PortnoyBasti Hansen