New York City has the second-largest population of Jewish people globally, falling just behind the bustling yet beautiful city of Tel Aviv, Israel, according to Insider Monkey. Although the two cities might be thousands of miles apart, a taste of the latter was brought to NYC by none other than Israeli icon Omer Adam.
Music can be a way to lift someone’s spirit and provide an individual with reassurance and solace when they need it most. On October 19, nearly 20,000 fans of the popular Israeli artist gathered at Madison Square Garden proudly holding their Israeli flags. They spent their night dancing, singing, and rejoicing. But this Sunday, there was much more to celebrate than just the sojourn of Adam across the globe to New York City. Moreover, for once, there was much less of a necessity for that reassurance or solace that Adam once provided. Since October 7, 2023 — it has now been over two years since that day — Adam would perform his shows with a heavy heart. He sang not only for his audience, but for all the hostages held in Gaza by cruel Hamas terrorists. This time, however, was different. The audience did have to sing and dance in honor of those who were taken on October 7. The living hostages have come home! “Finally, we can celebrate. Our brothers and sisters are home! Am Yisrael Chai,” rejoiced Adam in a post on his official Instagram page. He, along with so many others, can now sing with them, not for them.
Many people in the crowd who were previously afraid of being Jewish finally felt proud of their identity. Some came completely alone to Adam’s concert and were surrounded by total strangers, yet they felt immediately at home. Each attendee may not have known the person beside them, but they all shared a common core value, one that brought them together: their support for Israel.
Adam carried an essence from his home and brought it across the globe to Madison Square Garden. His American audience came together — sang to Hebrew music and celebrated Jewish pride — the same way people in Israel have done for so long. The exact circumstances might have been different (Adam’s concert at The Garden is remarkably more positive than his prior performances in Israel as a result of the recent hostage release), but the intent was the same: hope in a time of hardship.
Today, life in the small yet mighty country is tough. However, even in the face of pure cruelty, Israel has maintained its sense of identity, and its people have continuously remained united. People worldwide praise Israelis for their exceptional strength and perseverance, especially during the most horrifying of times. Although (most) Americans did not bear witness to the atrocities of October 7 and its subsequent wars, many Jews and Israelis in the US feel personally connected to their country and have struggled immensely since that day. Despite being so far away from one another, citizens from both the US and Israel have fostered a sense of belonging and community in the midst of so much madness.
Adam’s show last Sunday was unlike any other. In a time of turmoil, Israelis found comfort in Adam’s music, as well as that of other entertainers. When people felt out of luck, turning to his music inspired them to continue to persevere. These bits of hopefulness are woven into his work, and although small, they made an everlasting impact on those who were struggling. Celebratory songs such as “Tel Aviv” or “Hopa” were used to provide a sense of optimism when so many were wrestling to hold onto hope. And Adam was able to bring that comfort all the way to New York City.
Luckily, there is much less to yearn and pray for now that the living hostages are back with their families. But the fight is not yet over. It cannot end until the last corpse being forcefully held in Gaza is returned to Israel. This struggle has become global; people all over the world have fought for the release of both the brave living and the tragically dead. These people have found a source of connection and a sort of bond with others through Adam’s well-renowned music. His work continues to inspire that hope and fight into so many.
