Eyal Golan’s ‘Science Fiction’ is Israel’s most played song of the year

Eyal Golan's song "Mada Bidyoni," also known as "Science Fiction," emerged as Israel's most-played track on radio in the Hebrew year 5786, according to the Israeli organization ACUM. Established for its 90th anniversary this year, ACUM shared its yearly ranking of the top songs, songwriters, composers, arrangers, and performers heard on Israeli radio. The rankings were determined by their AcumOnAir system, which monitors broadcasts on 34 national and regional radio stations throughout the country.

"Golan's hit song," performed by Golan, was originally written by Avi Ohayon, who collaborated with Idan Shneor and Matan Dror on the composition and arrangement of the track. Golan's dominance in the rankings despite recent sexual harassment allegations demonstrates that his fan base remains fiercely loyal. The song took the top spot, with Peer Tasi's "Of Muzar" ("Strange Bird") claiming the second position.

Noam Bettan's rendition of "Michelle," which secured second place at Eurovision 2026, held the third position. Last year's top song, Tasi's "Ma Yihye Machar" ("What Will Be Tomorrow"), dropped to fourth place.

Rounding out the top 10 were Osher Cohen's "Kulam Ganavim" ("Everyone's a Thief"), Odeya Azoulay's "Rocky," Omer Adam's "Malkat Hador" ("Queen of the Generation"), Hanan Ben Ari and Peer Tasi's "Halevai" ("If Only"), Tasi's "Hee Lo Yoda at Lama" ("She Doesn't Know Why"), Ben Zur's "Kol Akeva Letova" ("Every Delay is for the Best"), and Ben Zur's "Kol Akeva Letova" ("Every Delay is for the Best").

The complete top 20 includes new versions of Naomi Shemer's "Od Lo Ahavti Dai" ("I Haven't Loved Enough") by Yehoram Gaon and Subliminal, Hatikva 6's "Israeli Complet" ("Total Israeli") and "Vayehi Or" ("Let There Be Light"), Noa Kirel's "Bridezilla," and Idan Amedi's "Lo Nishbar" ("Not Broken").

Avi Ohayon, the songwriter behind "Mada Bidyoni," once again claimed the top spot as Israel's most-played songwriter and composer, marking the eighth consecutive year he held this position. Tslil Klifi emerged as the year's most-played female songwriter. Among the top female performers were Sarit Hadad, Eden Ben Zaken, Odeya Azoulay, Agam Buhbut, Yehudit Ravitz, and Noa Kirel.

Golan topped the list of male performers, with Omer Adam following closely in second place. The late Arik Einstein secured third place, while Shlomo Artzi and Peer Tasi rounded out the top five.

The rankings highlight the ongoing popularity of contemporary Mediterranean and mainstream Israeli pop on radio. However, the lists also showcase veteran performers and songwriters, including Hadad, Ravitz, Gali Atari, Rita, Chava Alberstein, and Ilanit. The late Ofra Haza ranked ninth in the female performer list. ACUM CEO Assaf Nahum expressed satisfaction with the productive year for Israeli music and pledged continued support for creators, wishing them a fruitful year of creativity, activity, and good music.

ACUM chairman Yoav Ginai emphasized the organization's 90-year commitment to protecting creators' rights and strengthening the Israeli music industry, wishing a successful year filled with peace at home and abroad for the songwriters, composers, publishers, and poets in Israel.