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American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic premieres global ‘Hatikvah’ video

“When we sing together, we heal together,” says CEO Jennifer Hughes.

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv. Credit: Courtesy of the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the national anthem of Israel and the 75th anniversary of Israel’s statehood, “Hatikvah” (meaning “hope”) celebrates Israel as a place of safety and strength for Jews worldwide. From its inception, Global Hatikvah has celebrated the power of digital innovation to connect people across the world through music.

Video production involved creating an accompaniment track synchronized with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra performance for virtual participants to sing along. Accessibility was emphasized, requiring only basic recording devices, with submissions meticulously edited into a final video, offering a unique chance to perform alongside the IPO in celebration of Israel, peace and hope.

“Across the generations, across the miles, Global Hatikvah has united friends of Israel around the world in song. When we sing together, we heal together. Our voices express our shared hope for brighter days ahead for a country we love,” said Jennifer Hughes, AFIPO’s CEO. “This project is just another shining example of the vital role the Israel Philharmonic plays not only as a world-class orchestra but also as Israel’s premier cultural ambassador.”

She added that “we’re so proud to share Global Hatikvah with the world and hope people continue to sing along in unity.”

The Global Hatikvah Initiative has reached thousands of individuals and community groups including Lizzy Savetsky, Temple Israel in New York City, the Israeli Voice to Voice choir, Six13 A Cappella group, Jewish day schools, retirement communities, synagogues and families worldwide.

Participants hailed from over 72 countries across six continents, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, South Africa and more.

“The diverse participation in this global initiative is a testament to the universal language of music,” said Maxwell Karmazyn. “I am deeply moved by the power of music to unite us, and I believe that together, we can inspire hope and promote peace on a global scale.”

Listen to the Global Hatikvah by visiting: globalhatikvah.org.

About & contact the publisher
American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) supports the world-class Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), enabling the IPO to enrich diverse audiences around the world in its role as Israel’s preeminent cultural ambassador. Founded in 1936 by famed Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman, the IPO performs regularly in its home, the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv, as well as across Israel, including Jerusalem and Haifa.
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