Idan Raichel on stage in Central Park
Israeli singer joins Alicia Keys and Palestinian Ali Amr at the Global Citizen Festival
Pianist and singer Idan Raichel performed Saturday in Central Park with singer Alicia Keys and Palestinian singer Ali Amr at the Global Citizen Festival.
Introduced by actor Ryan Reynolds, who had a hard time pronouncing Raichel’s name — the three sang Keys’ new song, “We Are Here,” each singing in their native language, and with Keys and Raichel on separate pianos.
The song is about peace and the various regions of the world that seek solutions to their ongoing conflicts. The festival, which is in its third year, celebrates peace and draws a primarily young, student crowd. Besides Keys, other performers included Jay-Z, Beyonce, Sting, Carrie Underwood and The Roots.
Keys performed in Israel in July 2013, and wrote on her Facebook page that when she visited Israel and Palestine, she spoke to many people on both sides, and “most everyone” wants peace.
“Let’s do everything we can to encourage a peaceful solution. Music and Art unites. These two artists represent the love we must all find in our hearts to heal old wounds and move FORWARD,” wrote Keys on Facebook.
Raichel wrote on his Facebook page that he’s been meeting with Amr for several months, mostly in the US rather than in Israel, despite the relatively short distance between their two cities, Ramallah and Tel Aviv.
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