When David Broza Came to Town

Pictured, l-r: David Broza; Amir Cohen and David Broza

It was a Broza kind of night.  The Israeli superstar came to town and dazzled the audience with his music, charm and storytelling.  The event, hosted by our Federation at the Whaling Museum, focused on David’s most recent passion project, the documentary and album East Jerusalem-West Jerusalem.  Using music (and English) as the common language, David brought together a group of Israeli, Palestinian and American musicians to create his latest release.  More than music resulted.  The eight days and nights in an East Jerusalem recording studio united artists and people who would normally be separate, kept apart by mistrust and fear.

Following the film screening, David answered audience members’ questions about the refugee camp, walls and children featured in the documentary.  David’s courage, character and creativity, on display throughout his 40-year career, shines through in the message the film conveys.  One audience member claimed it was the most powerful film she had ever seen.

David ended the night with a live performance of several songs from the album as well as his signature hit, Yihiye Tov (Good Will Prevail) and was rewarded with a standing ovation.

After the event, David shared the following on Facebook:
“Had a great screening of ‘East Jerusalem West Jerusalem’ in New Bedford, Mass. The sweetest moment was the cutting of the special cake made in honor of the film. Thank you Amir Cohen and the beautiful community here. Sweetened my life..... היה ערב מרגש עם הקרנה של הסרט י-ם מזרח מערב. הרגע המתוק היה הטעם המתוק של העוגה המיוחדת. תודה לאמיר כהן ולקהילה של ניו בדפורד מסצ׳וסטס..... (מקום מוצאו של מובי דיק)”

A Dinner Featuring Israeli Food Prepared by Israeli Chefs

A dinner sponsored by the Federation and TI Synagogue featuring food from Israeli chefs Noel Oldes and Tamar Salameh Digmi along with aspiring student chefs was held at the Tifereth Israel small hall.

Chefs Israel and Tamar, visiting from Israel, worked with Chef Henry Bousquet’s culinary arts students at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School, preparing authentic Israeli cuisine.

Later in the day, Israel, Tamar and enthusiastic volunteers prepared and served an Israeli meal to guests at Tifereth Israel.

Pictured in the second photo, l-r: Ray Aghai and Alan Ades
Pictured in the fourth photo, l-r: Betsy Finch Kaplan and Liz Ackerman

Israel’s Deputy Consul: in the Community

Pictured, l-r: Matan Zamir; Rabbi Kanter, Zamir and Stan Sherman  

Israel’s Deputy Consul General to New England, Matan Zamir, visited New Bedford for a joint program of the Jewish Federation and Tifereth Israel. Zamir participated in a meet-and-greet session in the Library prior to his talk in the Chapel. The deputy consul spoke about his career and his experience in India in a position similar to the one he holds now. He also spoke about Israel, answering questions from audience members about how Israel is covered in the media. We are thankful and happy to have hosted a person of this caliber in our community.