Art Garfunkel from the legendary musical duo Simon and Garfunkel delivered a performance for the ages Thursday evening at Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park as a guest of Israeli rocker Aviv Geffen, marking the first visit by a major international artist to Israel since the war erupted.
Video: Art Garfunkel performs in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 29, 2025. Credit: Adi Nirman
"I am happy to be here in Israel," the 83-year-old performer told tens of thousands of audience members who greeted him with enthusiastic cheers. Performing alongside his son Art Garfunkel Jr. and Geffen, he delivered several of the duo's timeless classics, including "The Sound of Silence," "The Boxer," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
Geffen highlighted Garfunkel's commitment to performing in Israel despite the country's security situation, which has caused concern among international artists. During the early part of the concert, before Garfunkel appeared on stage, sirens were activated throughout Israel, including in Tel Aviv, due to Houthi missile fire from Yemen targeting Israel. Rather than halt the proceedings, the show continued against the backdrop of interceptions – a stark reminder of the complex realities facing the region.
Art Garfunkel, born Arthur Ira Garfunkel in 1941, rose to fame as the distinctive voice of Simon and Garfunkel, one of the most successful folk-rock partnerships in music history. He formed his collaboration with Paul Simon during their school years, eventually creating timeless songs that defined a generation. Their work includes "Mrs Robinson," "Scarborough Fair," and the soundtrack to "The Graduate." Following the duo's 1970 separation, Garfunkel continued with a solo career while remaining a respected figure in popular music. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Simon and Garfunkel in 1990.
