​This is an album cover from a 1972 collection of songs performed by the IDF music troupe. The picture on the cover is a colourful drawing of a singing group comprised of men and women representing, as can be seen from their uniforms, different IDF units: navy, paratroopers, air force, tanks, and others. One of the musicians is playing a tuba from which flowers and butterflies are emerging. The title of the album, written in Hebrew and English, is “Songs of Zahal’s Troupes.”

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Musical Groups of the IDF - Musical groups have been a part of the IDF since before its creation in the pre-state paramilitary organisations. They were at the height of their popularity in the 1960s and 1970s when their songs reached the top of the hit parades. One of the most popular groups from the 1950s–1960s was the Nachal group, which introduced a young and refreshing style to Israeli music. Many members of the group went on to have successful musical careers after leaving the army, such as Yardena Arazi, Arik Einstein, Miri Aloni, Yossi Banai, Yehoram Gaon, Gidi Gov, and many many more. At their peak each IDF unit had their own band that performed not only for IDF soldiers but also for civilians inside and outside of Israel. The IDF bands also produced albums such as the one pictured here, and their songs were played on Israeli radio and became hits that remain popular to this day. Their songs typically described life in the IDF and in Israel as well as other Zionist and patriotic themes. The military bands came to an end in 1978 but were partially reinstated in 1985.