After two decades in Amsterdam, international DJ Oded Nir returned to Israel, warning that Jews worldwide are “surrounded by wolves” and calling for unity and a renewed national spirit.
Jerusalem — Internationally acclaimed musician and DJ Oded Nir has come home. After 20 years in Amsterdam, the Israeli-born artist decided his place was once again in his homeland — a decision he says was sealed in the aftermath of the Hamas massacre of October 7.
“At three in the morning, I locked my apartment in Amsterdam, and today I’m here,” Nir told Israel National News at the Vision of the Right Conference.
October 7 Changed Everything
Nir recalls waking to the sound of his wife’s voice delivering the horrific news from Israel.
“I immediately understood that nothing would ever be the same again, and that things would only deteriorate from here,” he said.
He predicted — with painful accuracy — that the Israeli flags dotting Amsterdam’s windows would be swiftly replaced by Palestinian ones. His wife returned to Israel within a month, unable to bear the atmosphere. Nir tried to maintain his work and performances in Europe, shuttling between Israel and the Netherlands, until one defining moment brought his identity into sharp focus.
A Football Match, A Revelation
Invited by Ajax Football Club to attend a Maccabi Tel Aviv match, Nir found himself walking among Maccabi fans. It was then that his Jewish identity and Israeli spirit — which he admits he had kept at a distance — reconnected in full force.
“I thought of myself as a global citizen, beyond such things, and believed everyone loved me. But walking among Maccabi fans — that’s when I realized who I really am.”
Success Abroad, Roots at Home
Nir spoke openly about the struggles of building a music career in Israel — and the success he eventually found abroad. Yet he insists that his Jewish identity kept him grounded.
“Without it, I would’ve fallen apart.”
A Call to Unity
Nir’s message today is urgent:
“We are surrounded by wolves — and that includes Western nations that are not exactly on our side. In such a reality, we cannot afford internal conflicts and divisions. This is an apolitical call: Jews and Israelis, come home.”
He warns that without a strong, united Israel, Jews in the Diaspora risk returning to the vulnerability of the shtetl era, reliant on the goodwill of others.
Jerusalem — Internationally acclaimed musician and DJ Oded Nir has come home. After 20 years in Amsterdam, the Israeli-born artist decided his place was once again in his homeland — a decision he says was sealed in the aftermath of the Hamas massacre of October 7.
“At three in the morning, I locked my apartment in Amsterdam, and today I’m here,” Nir told Israel National News at the Vision of the Right Conference.
October 7 Changed Everything
Nir recalls waking to the sound of his wife’s voice delivering the horrific news from Israel.
“I immediately understood that nothing would ever be the same again, and that things would only deteriorate from here,” he said.
He predicted — with painful accuracy — that the Israeli flags dotting Amsterdam’s windows would be swiftly replaced by Palestinian ones. His wife returned to Israel within a month, unable to bear the atmosphere. Nir tried to maintain his work and performances in Europe, shuttling between Israel and the Netherlands, until one defining moment brought his identity into sharp focus.
A Football Match, A Revelation
Invited by Ajax Football Club to attend a Maccabi Tel Aviv match, Nir found himself walking among Maccabi fans. It was then that his Jewish identity and Israeli spirit — which he admits he had kept at a distance — reconnected in full force.
“I thought of myself as a global citizen, beyond such things, and believed everyone loved me. But walking among Maccabi fans — that’s when I realized who I really am.”
Success Abroad, Roots at Home
Nir spoke openly about the struggles of building a music career in Israel — and the success he eventually found abroad. Yet he insists that his Jewish identity kept him grounded.
“Without it, I would’ve fallen apart.”
A Call to Unity
Nir’s message today is urgent:
“We are surrounded by wolves — and that includes Western nations that are not exactly on our side. In such a reality, we cannot afford internal conflicts and divisions. This is an apolitical call: Jews and Israelis, come home.”
He warns that without a strong, united Israel, Jews in the Diaspora risk returning to the vulnerability of the shtetl era, reliant on the goodwill of others.
“A strong Israel allows me to have a career abroad. Without it, I’m a leaf blown by the wind.”
