jerusalem (ap) | Shoshana Damari, whose voice came to embody the emerging nation of Israel and comforted its people during their most trying times, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, after suffering from pneumonia. She was 83.

Damari, known as “the queen of Hebrew music” and a recipient of the nation’s most prestigious cultural prize, entertained Israeli civilians and soldiers for nearly seven decades with her booming alto voice, continuing to perform until shortly before her death.

“We will remember her forever as the national voice,” said Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Damari is survived by a daughter, who resides in Canada.