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Jerusalem’s Binyanei Ha’uma Grand Hall pulsed with energy on Wednesday night as three of Israel’s most celebrated artists—Avraham Fried, Ishay Ribo, and Amir Dadon—delivered a powerful performance.
The event, part of the week-long Tzama Music Festival, highlighted the unifying power of music amid a time of national hardship.
The sold-out concert, attended by thousands, featured a full orchestra, dazzling light displays, and giant screens that set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Tzama, which means “thirst” in Hebrew, is a long-standing initiative led by Rabbi Moshe and Bracha Shilat to spread hassidut through music. Now in its 15th year, the festival is expected to draw 80,000 attendees over seven days, with up to three performances daily.
“Music fills the soul,” Bracha Shilat explained. “Not everyone connects through texts; music creates a bridge.” This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience, as the festival transcended mere entertainment, becoming a vessel for healing and unity.
A Concert for All
The Wednesday concert, organized in partnership with the Jerusalem Municipality, catered to a diverse audience, offering performances tailored for men, women, and youth.
Fried, the legendary Chabad singer, shared the stage with Ribo, known for his modern hassidic-pop blend, and Dadon, a secular artist whose spiritual style resonated deeply with the crowd.
Together, the trio showcased a seamless fusion of genres, supported by a rich array of instruments including the kanun, clarinet, and electric guitar.
Ribo opened the evening with a heartfelt prayer for the safe return of soldiers and hostages. His rendition of hassidic melodies with pop influences set the tone for an emotional and celebratory evening.
Dadon followed with “Yedid Nefesh,” a beloved Shabbat poem, performed to a hassidic tune by Rabbi Tzvi Neria. The audience’s enthusiastic participation underscored the deep cultural connections these songs evoke.
Fried’s performance, introduced by a haunting clarinet melody, captivated the audience with his signature energy and uplifting lyrics.
He slowed the tempo to share a video about Shimon Cohen, a reserves soldier injured in Gaza, who joined him on stage to lead a prayer.
Cohen’s poignant words about unity and resilience drew thunderous applause, highlighting the concert’s deeper message.
Unity Through Diversity
The evening reached its pinnacle as Ribo, Fried, and Dadon reunited on stage for a soul-stirring collaboration. Their harmonized voices, blending distinct musical styles, embodied the unity the festival seeks to inspire.
“Tzama succeeds in achieving this kind of unity,” Cohen said. “Our fight in Gaza and Lebanon is for the Nation of Israel to be together.”
Amid ongoing conflicts in Israel’s south and north, the Tzama Music Festival serves as a beacon of hope. Families of hostages joined the audience, making the concert an emotional experience for all.
Through music, Torah, and hassidut, Tzama continues to strengthen connections and uplift spirits, proving that even in challenging times, the power of unity and tradition endures.