The United Synagogue

Shabbaton Choir Brings Solidarity Through Song To South

PRESS RELEASE

London,
7th March 2008

SHABBATON CHOIR BRINGS SOLIDARITY THROUGH SONG TO SOUTH


Sderot was filled with the sound of music this week instead of sirens as the Shabbaton Choir, part of the United Synagogue’s mission to Israel, toured the town and performed a concert at the community centre. They were joined by Dr. Simon Hochhauser, chorister and President of the United Synagogue, and later in the week, by The Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks together with Lady Sacks.

The all-male choir, led by musical conductor and director Stephen Levey, arrived in Israel on March 4th for the fifth annual ‘Solidarity Through Song’ mission, sponsored by the Ziff family, where they are using the medium of song to show solidarity with those who have suffered through acts of terror, illness or disability.

For the first time, the choir is focusing its efforts in the south of the country as a gesture of unity with the residents of the region, who are currently under sustained attacks from kassam rockets. The US’ mission included visits to schools, hospitals, care homes and soup kitchens in towns such as Sderot, Ashdod and Be’er Sheva.

The musical highlights of the trip were a concert held at Kibbutz Sa’ad in aid of the Neve Landy Children’s Village, and a fundraising concert where the Choir was accompanied by the Ashdod Symphony Orchestra in a benefit for the new Ashdod Medical Centre.

The Choir will spend a very special Shabbat this weekend in Herzliya, where they will be joined by 300 others including the Chief Rabbi, members of the expatriate British community, TRIBE gap year students and JFS students who are staying at Kibbutz Lavie. The mission will conclude with the launch of the US’ & TRIBE’s 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel edition in Jerusalem on Sunday.

Dr Simon Hochhauser, President of United Synagogue and choir member commented: “Each year our tour of Israel becomes more and more rewarding. It’s amazing to see how song can really light up people’s lives, and I like to think that we have been able to make a difference to people in all kinds of situations, whether it be someone affected by terror, with an illness, or an older person in a care home, just by doing something we love.”

Peter Sheldon, President of the Shabbaton Choir and immediate past President of United Synagogue, commented: “It’s important for us to go to less well-trodden areas such as the South of Israel. The residents of that area have been through a lot, and it’s important for them to get some attention. In places like Ashkelon and Sderot we were entertaining in the direct line of fire, but for the people we are there to entertain, the music, laughter and fun helps with the healing process.”


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