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On September 15 th , singer-songwriter Ishay Ribo will do the impossible: perform for the second time at Madison Square Garden in New York in front of more than 12 thousand people, hosting Eviatar Banai and Idan Raichel on stage with him. Together they will prove once again to the world, than even in the toughest of times, as Israel faces a barrage of international criticism, music can soothe, repair, inspire the spirit of victory, and play a major part in uniting the nation / By Maya Cohen

“The first time I performed at Madison Square Garden I didn’t really know much about its history. I knew it was famous but what I was excited about was playing for our fans in America”, says singer songwriter Ishay Ribo, just before he sets off for New York for a special show, a year after performing there for the first time. “When we decided to play at MSG, there was an element of risk to it”, he explains, “we had built a complex set and as the management and staff there have their own way of doing things, for a second we were worried we weren’t going to be able to work it out. But in the end, everything came together, and we felt as though some miracle from above had taken place. In the end, it’s a matter of faith. Not everything depends on me and that’s ok”. Not just a show – a calling And now you’ll be back on that stage, but nothing is really the same. A year has passed and we are living in a completely different reality, in total chaos. “Absolutely. Everything is different and we even pondered whether to even hold the show altogether. But then we thought that performing there now has even greater importance. There have been a

lot of protests against Jews in the world these past months so if we have the opportunity to bring Jews together, be them religious or secular, we can’t let it pass by. I felt the same sense of calling when I played with Omer Adam at the big pro-Israel Washington rally in front of 300 thousand Jews who had come to show support for Israel. We only did a few songs, but we realized how meaningful it was to be there. In Israel things are clear to us”, says Ribo, “we know who the enemy is. But overseas things can get muddled. The terrible situation in Israel has made us feel even more aware of our attachment to our home. But I feel that many diaspora Jews are having to rethink what they see as their home right now”. Ribo goes on to tell me about a show he did at Harvard University in front of Jewish students who had experienced the many pro-Palestine protests on campus. “We wanted to lift their spirits and show them support. That’s when I realized the importance of connecting with Jews

in the diaspora. For me, it’s a major career peak. Especially having the honor of hosting Idan Raichel and Eviatar Banai on stage. This show has a “calling” aspect to it. This is a critical year, and everyone has to do their part. Just as we went to sing for the soldiers and the wounded, we have an opportunity to lift the spirits of Jews living in America. This isn’t just about personal success – this is also about national pride”. Music, faith, and everything in between Ribo (35) is married to Yael with whom he has five children. Born in Marseille, he made Aliyah with his family, settling first in Kfar Adumim, then in Tel Zion. Nowadays he lives in Jerusalem. He served in the army in a religious framework and participated in a few shows with the rabbinical army band. He began writing and recording songs at 13 and later wrote songs for other artists. In 2014 he launched his first album to great success. Since October 7, like many other

"This show has a “calling” aspect to it. This is a critical year, and everyone has to do their part. Just as we went to sing for the soldiers and the wounded, we have an opportunity to lift the spirits of Jews living in America"

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ATMOSPHERE SEPTEMBER 2024