Fallen Soldier Aner Shapira's Voice Returns in New Musical Project
A new musical project in Israel features the recorded voice of the late Aner Shapira, an IDF soldier and artist who heroically saved lives on October 7.
During the intermediate days of Sukkot, a new musical project was released in Israel, bringing back the voice of the late Aner Shapira. Shapira, a 22-year-old soldier in the IDF's Nahal Reconnaissance Unit from Jerusalem, was also a gifted creator, musician, and artist. He left behind hundreds of texts, paintings, and recordings from his home studio.
Continuing the Musical Legacy
Since his tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to publish his artistic estate, releasing albums such as "Introduction to Anerchism" and "Looking for Love." Now, his siblings Ariel and Ayala, along with his partner Sheli Smolarenko, have collaborated with his old recordings to sing alongside him.
"Because there was never a parting / And there will never be." — Sheli Smolarenko
At the center of the project is the song "Half," featuring Aner's original vocals blended with new verses written and recorded by those closest to him. The poignant lyrics reflect the deep sense of loss and longing, carrying out what the family found in his writings as an unofficial testament: "If I die, bring this to light."
Heroism at the Re'im Shelter
Alongside his creative legacy, Aner is remembered for his extraordinary heroism on October 7. He attended the Nova music festival in Re'im and took shelter in a roadside concrete bunker with roughly 27 young partygoers. Unarmed, he stood at the entrance to protect them, heroically tossing back between 10 and 11 grenades thrown by Hamas terrorists before falling in battle. His bravery saved the lives of ten people who managed to escape.
