On Saturday, December 18, 2023, a thousand musicians gathered at the Caesarea amphitheater to raise their voices for peace and justice. They were there to demand the release of the hundreds of Israeli hostages who are still held captive in Gaza, after more than two months of war and violence. The musicians, who came from different backgrounds, genres, and ages, performed songs of hope, solidarity, and freedom, while holding signs and banners that read “Bring them home now” and “Music for a ceasefire”. The event was organized by Yarom, a musician and activist who himself was a hostage in Gaza for 10 days before being freed.
Yarom, whose full name is Yaron Meir, said he felt a personal responsibility to do something for the hostages, who he considers his brothers and sisters. He said he experienced the horrors of captivity firsthand, and he knows how much the hostages need the support and pressure from the outside world. He said he chose music as a form of protest because he believes in its power to unite people and to convey messages that words alone cannot. He said he was inspired by the example of other musicians around the world who have used their art to advocate for peace and human rights, such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and U2. He said he hopes that the music will reach the ears and hearts of the leaders and the public, and that it will make a difference in the fate of the hostages.
A diverse coalition
The musicians who joined Yarom in Caesarea were not only from Israel, but also from other countries, such as the UK, the US, and Australia. They included famous artists, such as Idan Raichel, Aviv Geffen, and Rita, as well as emerging talents, such as Noga Erez, Lola Marsh, and Tamir Grinberg. They also represented a variety of musical styles, such as rock, pop, folk, jazz, and classical. Some of them performed solo, while others collaborated in duets or groups. Some of them sang original songs, while others covered classics, such as “Imagine”, “Blowin’ in the Wind”, and “One Love”. They all shared a common vision of peace and a common demand of bringing the hostages home.
A public response
The musical protest in Caesarea was attended by thousands of people, who came to show their support and sympathy for the hostages and their families. The crowd sang along, clapped, and cheered, creating a festive and emotional atmosphere. Many of them also held signs and wore shirts with the names and pictures of the hostages, to remind everyone of their faces and stories. Some of them were relatives or friends of the hostages, who thanked the musicians and the public for their solidarity. They said they will not give up hope until they see their loved ones again.
The musical protest in Caesarea was also broadcasted live on social media and on several TV and radio channels, reaching millions of viewers and listeners. The event received positive feedback and praise from many people, who expressed their admiration and gratitude for the musicians and their initiative. Some of them also joined the online campaign of #BringThemHome, which aims to raise awareness and pressure for the hostages’ release. They said they hope that the music will inspire the leaders and the negotiators to end the war and to free the hostages.
