Netta Barzilai

Israel
2018
1st place
TOY
"I want to know more, this is addictive!
It’s the mix that makes me who I am."
Netta Barzilai

Netta’s Unique Mix

Netta’s music represents a diversity of sounds and influences. Her DNA results and fascinating family history discoveries reflect that same unique mix that has shaped her into who she is today.

MyHeritage discovered some incredible historical records of Netta’s ancestors that trace her family history back nearly 300 years. By delving into her past, Netta revealed her connection to new people and places in the present, and discovered that we are part of One Big Family.
Netta’s great-grandfather, Natan Barzilai, was from the town of Tomashov Lubelski in Poland. His original family name was Szpisajzen, and he changed it to Barzilai, both of which mean blacksmith. Natan’s profession was a grain merchant.

MyHeritage researchers located his gravestone in Israel, which indicates his Polish origins.




One of the MyHeritage researchers also has origins in Tomashov Lubelski. He traveled there to conduct the research in person, and discovered a map of the town from the late 1930’s that lists the names of the residents. The family name Szpisajzen appears in several places.

Thanks to the map, he was able to find and visit the house where Netta’s great-grandfather Natan lived nearly 100 years ago, before moving to Israel in 1934.

One of the MyHeritage researchers also has origins in Tomashov Lubelski. He traveled there to conduct the research in person, and discovered a map of the town from the late 1930’s that lists the names of the residents. The family name Szpisajzen appears in several places.

Thanks to the map, he was able to find and visit the house where Netta’s great-grandfather Natan lived nearly 100 years ago, before moving to Israel in 1934.

The MyHeritage researcher also uncovered Natan’s birth record and marriage certificate as well as the marriage certificate of Netta’s great-great grandparents.

As the researcher added new details to Netta’s family tree, he discovered that he himself is related to Netta by marriage!



Netta’s great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Seror, was originally from Tripoli, Libya where he owned a soap factory.

Netta couldn’t believe that MyHeritage was able to obtain a sample of the soap from her great-great-grandfather’s factory.




Benjamin’s son-in-law, Netta’s great-grandfather Moshe Galamin, came to Israel in 1949. His wife and 6 children joined him from Libya soon after.

Rabbi Yehosha Bardugo

Netta’s maternal grandfather came from Meknes, Morocco, and it turns out that he comes from a distinguished line of rabbis dating back 300 years. Netta says that her very spiritual grandfather would have loved to learn this about his family’s past.
MyHeritage contacted one of Netta's cousins. He shared an exciting find: a silver goblet that Netta’s family has been using to bless the wine every Friday night for more than 120 years!

Ilana & Pinhas Barzilai

Grandparents of Netta Barzilai

Netta’s grandfather Pinhas married her grandmother, Ilana, whose close resemblance to Netta is quite striking. Netta was very moved by the image of her grandmother, and spoke about the profound impact she had on her life.

“It’s amazing to find out the connections between us, and how we are not so different. We are all starting to blend, and it’s so cool.”

“It’s amazing to find out the connections between us, and how we are not so different. We are all starting to blend, and it’s so cool.”

51.4%
Sephardic Jewish - North African
45.4%
Ashkenazi Jewish
1.7%
Baltic
1.5%
Irish, Scottish, and Welsh
Netta's MyHeritage DNA test revealed 7,000 brand new relatives who come from 60 countries around the world.
Over half of Netta's DNA Matches hail from the United States, but many come from distant lands including Australia, New Zealand, South America, and the Far East.
Want to read more about Netta's family history research?
Read our blog

Exclusive Eurovision DNA kit

Order Now

Discover your family story

Start your journey