Hanan Ben Ari's performance for Belev Echad members
(Video: Liron Nagler-Cohen)
Popular Israeli singer Hana Ben Ari delivered a heartfelt performance for Belev Echad, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring wounded IDF soldiers back to life, at Terminal Hall in Petah Tikva on Sunday night.
Many members of the audience were IDF soldiers wounded during their service, including in the current war in Gaza. The event was buoyed by feelings of resilience and unity from the audience and the singer, amid a warm atmosphere.
The performance went forward despite an attack that morning on northern and central Israel from Hezbollah. Due to the security situation, the Home Front Command ordered that no mass events be held, leading to the cancellation of the planned performance. Hours later, when new approval was granted by the Home Front Command, it was decided to go ahead with the event as planned. For the participants, this approval was a ray of hope during a challenging time, making the event even more meaningful, the organization said.
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Long after the end of the performance, Hanan Ben Ari stayed with the soldiers and their families
(Photo: Mendi Hechtman)
Among the attendees were hundreds of soldiers injured in Operation Iron Swords, who bravely defended the country, alongside other soldiers who were wounded during their service. The excitement was evident on the faces of everyone present, as they recalled moments of struggle and resilience while experiencing the healing power of music.
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Hanan Ben Ari's emotional performance for Belev Echad members
(Photo: Mendi Hechtman)
"I was there, in the heart of the storm, during the operation in Gaza two months ago," said Omer, who was injured in the Iron Swords war. "Hanan Ben Ari's music was always my soundtrack during the hardest moments. Now, hearing him here, in front of us, feels like a giant hug for the soul. These moments give me the strength to move forward, to believe in myself and the path I've traveled."
One of the most touching moments during the performance was when an injured soldier, who arrived on crutches, joined Ben Ari on stage to sing the song "Blind Bat." The entire audience stood up and cheered enthusiastically as the two sang together with intensity and emotion. At that moment, the song became a symbol of strength and perseverance, which deeply touched everyone in the hall, the organization said in a statement.
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Belev Echad provides a mini refrigerator for every wounded soldier
(Photo: Mendi Hechtman)
"The idea behind Belev Echad is to connect hearts. Today, we see how music, in moments like these, can bridge gaps and unite us all as one," Rabbi Uriel and Shevy Vigler, founders of Belev Echad, said in a statement. "This performance is not just a cultural event; it is an event that strengthens the hearts and souls of all the participants, especially our heroes.
The performance concluded with the entire audience singing, as a strong sense of camaraderie filled the air.