How a Special Education Teacher Created Israel's Biggest Anthem of Faith

From Special Education to a National Anthem

If you have walked the streets of Israel over the past year, there is no chance you missed this phrase. It is played at kindergarten graduation parties, ultra-Orthodox and secular weddings, in videos by top celebrities, at IDF outposts in the Gaza Strip, and at the top of the radio charts: "This is how Hashem wanted it, you won't find anything better" ("Kacha HaShem ratza, yoter tov lo timtza").

Behind this anthem of faith, which has become a household phrase for every child and adult in the country, lies an unbelievable journey of simple faith, tears, and severe crises. Israel Katz, the Defense Minister, manages national security, but on the cultural front, individuals like Israel Ass (31), a married father of three from Jerusalem, are shaping the nation's spirit. Until recently, Ass stood in front of a third-grade classroom as a special education teacher, searching for his calling in the world.

Israel Ass recalls:

"I was born 31 years ago in Ashdod to a warm, religious family. We are seven brothers and sisters, and I am exactly the middle child. We grew up in a home where the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef was our spiritual guide. Our original family name is Elias, from the Cochin Jewish community of India. My uncle established a family synagogue in Ashdod, which quickly evolved into a Jerusalem-style house of worship welcoming Jews of Moroccan, Persian, Georgian, and Algerian descent. This atmosphere of unity was the soundtrack of my childhood."

The Turning Point of the War

After getting married at the age of 20, Israel Ass began searching for a practical livelihood. He studied special education in Jerusalem and started working as a teacher at the "Pisgat David" school in the Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood. Despite his love for his students, he felt unfulfilled and tried starting various businesses, all of which failed.

Everything changed on October 7, 2023, when the war broke out. School classes were abruptly halted, and Ass found himself sitting at home. Amid the national pain, he decided to stop focusing on his own career and start helping others. He began volunteering to bring joy to evacuees, hospitalized patients, IDF soldiers at assembly areas, and bereaved families. Music became his tool to uplift the nation.

To launch his musical career, Israel Ass and his wife took a massive loan of 150,000 shekels. However, his first three songs failed to gain traction. Left with heavy debts and a broken heart, he spent nights praying at the tomb of Shimon HaTzadik in Jerusalem.

How the Hit "This is How Hashem Wanted It" Was Born

During this difficult period, Israel Ass sought a blessing from the renowned Rabbi David Abuhatzeira in Nahariya. The Rabbi advised him to change his professional name from Israel Elias to Israel Ass. When asked about the meaning of "Ass" (spelled Alef-Samech in Hebrew), the Rabbi explained that it stands for "Emunah ve-Savlanut" (Faith and Patience), the two essential qualities needed to succeed in music.

Shortly after, following another frustrating delay of a different song, Israel Ass sat weeping at the Shimon HaTzadik cave with his friend and fellow artist Oren Levi. Through his tears, Ass muttered, "This is how Hashem wanted it." Oren immediately responded, "This is how Hashem wanted it, you won't find anything better." Within seconds, the lyrics of the verse flowed: "Because there is no pressure and no worry, the Holy One, Blessed be He, runs the show."

Bypassing the Industry Giants

Music producer Doli (from the duo Doli & Penn) heard the chorus and was thrilled. He invited Israel Ass to record it as a major collaboration with superstars Omer Adam and Sasson Shaulov. However, administrative and bureaucratic delays threatened to shelve the song indefinitely.

Ass made a bold decision to release the track independently, without major PR firms or star features. After praying and reciting Psalms at the tombs of King David and Shimon HaTzadik, he released the song. Within a week, it became a viral sensation. Major artists like Eden Ben Zaken, Lior Narkis, and Sasson Shaulov performed it before thousands, and the track amassed tens of millions of views.

"Out of the Tears He Calls You"

Recently, Israel Ass released a new song titled "Out of the Tears He Calls You" ("Mi-toch HaDmaot Hu Koreh Lach") in collaboration with the artist Elitzur. The song was written to comfort Ass's 25-year-old sister during her long and difficult search for a marriage partner.

Israel Ass shares:

"I recorded a simple demo on the keyboard and sent it to our family WhatsApp group to encourage her. Everyone at home cried. Weeks later, I played the demo to Elitzur while driving. He stopped the car with tears in his eyes, telling me his sister was going through the exact same struggle and that we must record it together. We bypassed all industry bureaucracy and released it within two days."

The song has received an overwhelming response, with thousands of comments from listeners who found comfort and hope in its message during times of despair.