Noga Friedman Describes Music and Grief in New Interview

Israeli musician Noga Friedman described how music and sharing her work have become part of her life after the death of her partner, Ido Rosenthal, in an interview published Sunday. Rosenthal, a career soldier in the Shaldag unit and the father of her children, was killed on October 7. Friedman discussed private grief, parenting and her willingness to let audiences encounter her work. Friedman said, “I want people to hear about me and my music.” She recalled music as part of their home and described Rosenthal playing guitar, praising his musical ability and the inspiration he gave others. She said she had always created things but had previously been afraid to release them. She also described periods of crying, singing alone and walking in a forest. Other people sometimes misunderstood her lack of responses on social media, she said. She would publish something and leave her phone, choosing to spend time with her children rather than stay online. She spoke about becoming more willing to show vulnerability and express herself. Her performances consist mainly of songs, with some spoken passages, she said. She described their purpose as offering inspiration through her work, rather than presenting a conventional memorial evening recounting Rosenthal’s biography. Friedman also spoke of pressure she had felt to give others hope. Seeing responses in the eyes of people attending her performances or watching her film matters to her, she said.