Just one day after we sat glued to our TV screens watching our three girls come home from captivity in Gaza, more than 1,000 of us gathered at St John’s Wood shul for a deeply moving concert reflecting on the tumultous year since October 7. The timing, albeit by default rather than by design, could not have been more perfect.
An Evening Of Music And Reflections: Israel Since October 7 was initiated by philanthropist Hilton Nathanson as the latest project of Bishnat, a charity he established in 2022 in memory of his father Brian. Bishnat is the first word of parshat Yitro, which they both read for their barmitzvah, and was their nickname for each other.
During an opening address in which he talked of the emotional toll the past year has taken on parents of IDF soldiers, Hilton reflected on the resilience of Israel during its longest war, emphasising the military victories and the global support. “I learned from my father that being Jewish is actually to never be alone,” he said. He called for unity and pride in Jewish identity, urging the community to speak up against antisemitism and promote democratic values.
Cantor Shulem Lemmer, the first Charedi singer to sign a major record contract, who has gained widespread fame both within and without the orthodox community, was joined on stage by Avromi Freilich and Rabbi Alby Chait MBE and the warm camaraderie and lively banter between them added a light-hearted charm to the evening. They were supported by nine musicians and musical director Rafi Graydi who played the keyboard and conducted.
Shulem said that performing in London 15 months after the last concert, which was held a few weeks after October 7, “felt like coming home” and that the concert was “a reflection of all the amazing things we’ve accomplished”.
A series of captivating films illustrating the journey of the past year provided a poignant backdrop to the music. Images of the IDF, the campaigning for the hostages, the attacks, the marches and moments of hope played out on screen. A powerful and emotive reminder of all that has happened, all that we have endured, and how the world has changed for Jews since October 7.
Avromi Freilich and Shulem Lemmer
Opening with a series of songs sung in Hebrew, including Avinu Malkenu and Atah Zocher, Shulem, who lost his father just two months ago, then entranced the audience with his version of Simon & Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence. The mood was then lifted with a medley of spirited Jewish songs sung by the trio, bringing an enthusiastic audience to its feet to dance.
After an interval we heard from Stephen Brisley, who shared his harrowing story of loss. His sister and two nieces were killed in the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri, and his brother-in-law Eli Sharabi remains in captivity. This was followed by a hauntingly beautiful version of Acheinu by Alby who asked us to hold up our phone torches as he sang.
Shulem moved us with Andra Day’s Rise Up and cheered us with Elton John’s I’m Still Standing, telling us that “It’s because they knock us down that we rise up… stronger, and we are all still standing”. A karaoke version of From Now On from The Greatest Showman, was bravely taken on by Alby who confessed to not knowing it, and he pointed out the refrain of “come home again” resonates strongly with the hostages’ return.
Avromi Freilich, Shulem Lemmer and Alby Chait
We hoped it was coming… and indeed it did – Shulem’s stunning version of Eden Golan’s Eurovision hit October Rain. An emotional climax before a joyous medley of Israeli classics, that once again had everyone on their feet, in what was truly one of the most uplifting moments since October 7.
As Shulem said, we are still standing. Not only that, but we are dancing.
Proceeds from the concert will be shared between One Family Together, an Israeli charity supporting victims of terror and Beit Halochem, a UK charity supporting Israeli veterans. To donate visit bishnat.org
