Israeli Star Odaya Azulai Releases New EP Featuring Domestic Violence Hotline
Israeli singer-songwriter Odaya Azulai released her new EP "HaShem Azar," featuring a powerful track dedicated to domestic violence victims incorporating a live emergency hotline.
Following high anticipation, teasers that stirred social media, and a massive series of performances at Menora Mivtachim Arena, singer-songwriter of the year Odaya Azulai released her highly discussed new EP, "HaShem Azar" (God Helped). The musical project features five new songs that navigate the delicate balance between faith, femininity, and pain, and is already shaping up to be one of the most prominent and talked-subjet events of the year in the Israeli music industry.
The Powerful Track Dedicated to Combating Domestic Violence
At the center of the album stands the emotionally charged and raw track "Dylan *3898", written and composed in collaboration with Avi Ohayon following a surge in domestic violence cases. The song tells the painful story of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship who is forced to hide the signs of abuse. Odaya chose to take a life-saving practical step by incorporating the emergency hotline number of the "Michal Sela Forum" (*3898) directly into the song's title in order to raise awareness and guide women in need toward life-saving assistance.
Upon the release of the track, Odaya turned to her followers on social media and urged women in distress to contact the hotline for help. At the same time, the singer delivered a sharp and decisive message to her young fan base, asking them to act responsibly, show respect for the organization, and refrain from making prank or unnecessary calls to prevent overloading a line dedicated to saving lives in real time.
Viral Hits and Intimate Collaborations on the EP
Aside from the shattering title-adjacent track, the album also includes "Puppet", which became a viral phenomenon with millions of views and tens of thousands of uses on TikTok even before its official release, following a live teaser performance at Menora Arena. The project is rounded out by the song "VeAni BeChasdecha Batachti", which marks an intriguing renewed collaboration with Ben Tzur, alongside the tracks "Nimecheket LeAtzmi" and "Rutzi Yalda", which conclude an exceptionally personal and exposed piece of work.
As recalled, Odaya's deep connection to themes of home, family, and pain accompanies her not only in her music but also in her personal life. This past July, the singer shared an emotional video alongside her mother, accompanied by the warm words: "Love of my life, my pure one. Happy birthday. You are the light and strength in my body. May God keep you healthy and amen that I bring you only pride. Thank you God for my biggest gift in the world." Later, she also shared footage of the two at the Western Wall plaza.
