Hanan Ben Ari’s Tribute to his future Ex-Wife

When singer Hanan Ben Ari and his wonderful wife of 16 years, Hadassah, announced this week that they are getting divorced, I and millions of other Israelis were in shock. Here was their announcement:

“We are breaking up

“With a broken and pained heart, but with a clear inner knowledge that we tried and fought and struggled until the end. There are moments when there is no choice but to look reality in the eyes and honestly admit that we have lost. We choose to lose with respect and love.

“We got married at the age of 20 and together we brought seven wonderful children into the world, we thank God for every moment of our joint journey and trust Him to write the most a perfect script for each of us.

“We continue to live as neighbors, in friendship and partnership. Not only for the children, but also for us. This is our special way. We went through a long and heartbreaking period of trials, and today we release and bless each other with completion, wishing each other all the best in the world.

“In all the grief and national tragedy that we’ve all experienced in the last year, our private sorrow is really a small seed, but it was important for us to share it with you and share our hearts in our own way. May better and happier days come to us all.”

“Hadassah and Hanan”

I hesitated if I should post this. When I first heard this news I was angry with Hanan ben Ari, who is one of my favorite musicians. I resolved to never listen to his music again.

But after seeing this video, I’m feeling differently. I wish that every couple could live happily every after. Or, even if a marriage is challenging, that they could somehow make it work. But sometimes a couple tries and tries again, and they just can’t.

I wish Hanan and Hadassah and their children all the blessings in the world.