Power of Music

This week I reviewed the websites for the Heartbeat Project and The Israeli Rap article on Israel’s National news webpage.  The Heartbeat Project reminded me a lot of Barenboim’s and Said’s orchestra.  This project brought together 12 different musicians from Palestine and Israel and tried to break down the barrier between them through music, just as the orchestra uses music.  What really struck me about this website is that the number of people involved is 25 yet according to their website, they have affected 10,000 people.  I was amazed at how few people could affect that many, yet it makes sense because everyone finds some type of joy in music.  Whether you are listening to someone else’s music or writing your own, music has the power to move people.   However, I did not find this website helpful in how they are affecting people.  How are they reaching these 10,000 people?  I was not able to watch any of the videos due to some technological issues (trying to get this fixed) so perhaps these videos showed some results.  However, I was not able to see the effects of their work.  The website explains their goals and why they are bringing these musicians together, yet it does not show any evidence of the aftermath.

I really enjoyed the article about Kosher Hip Hop.  One of the reasons I believe I enjoyed this article is because it almost made it relatable.  I do not know much about the stories in the Talmud or other practices of Judaism, however, I have grown up with many famous hip hop artists on the television.  Although this was never my favorite kind of music, I could easily see how other Jewish youth were attracted to this type of music.  I can easily see their claim that this music “invigorates Jewish youth”.  However, I would like to see the Palestinian equivalent.  Is there a Palestinian Hip Hop artist that invigorates youth as well?  This is what I think was missing from this article however, I think the only reason I believe this is because I am used to hearing from both sides at once, therefore, I was expecting to read about a Palestinian counterpart.