8th Day singing stars Shmuli and Bentzi Marcus, literally ‘gave all they got” when they flew in from LA to Israel for less than 24 hours to lead the FC Rockin’ Friendship Concert for children with unique challenges.
A packed crowd came out to celebrate unity and camaraderie as 8th Day rocked the house in the second annual Hoshana Rabba musical organized by Friendship Circle of Central Jerusalem in collaboration with Tzvaim Productions.
“This event impacted every person present!”, noted the Tyler family from the UK. “Children with special needs were seated in the center, reveling in this unique and wheelchair friendly opportunity where ‘different became special’. Whereas at most concerts people are asked to stay seated, tonight, all were invited to participate – it was an auditorium filled with joy and free from inhibitions!”
Based on the concept of #EveryChildDeservesToSing, this musical event was inaugurated in 2018 to enable the special children of Jerusalem to unite with the wider community who would surround, embrace and celebrate them.
Alongside the members of FC Jeru’, directed by Chabad Talbiya/Mamilla’s Shluchim, Rabbi Eliyahu and Chana Canterman, children from over thirteen special needs organizations were saluted for their triumphs over their daily challenges as the entire crowd welcomed them to the theater.
Opening remarks were made by Suzie Frankel, a longtime and generous supporter of FC. This year’s summer camp was named Camp Klara in honor of her late mother, Klara Frankel Z”L.
Surprise after surprise unfolded throughout the show, emceed by FC Buddy, Eli Kievman. Among them was the Art of Friendship exhibit, “Art with Heart”, introduced by the eloquent Vanessa Jackson, an FC friend and supporter. As during last year’s event, spectators were encouraged to bid generously through a silent auction on a selection of 32 magnificent works of art, collaboratively created by FC youth and famous Jerusalem artist mentors.
The audience was later spellbound by a video depicting the bond between Chaim Yitzchak, a member of the Friends@Home program, and his FC buddy, Chaim Zippel. Chaim Yitzchak, who has been assisted by a wheelchair for 15 years and told that walking was an impossibility, was inspired by Chaim at the Camp Klara/Buddy Baseball All-Star Game to defy this prognosis as he took his first steps with his FC buddy at his side. Buddy Baseball was introduced to FC Jerusalem by Chicago businessman Dean Klassman in 2016 and has been a win-win program ever since.
VIDEO: Miracle at the Baseball Game
The singers invited the talented Chaim to join them on stage and wow the audience with the power and maturity of his voice as he sang “A Million Dreams”.
8th Day, with their electric energy, had the crowd spontaneously rising from their seats and their wheelchairs, to wave and dance in the aisles to their well-known signature tunes, including “All You Got,” “Miracle of Light” and “Ya’alili.” Guest singer Shlomo Simcha, uncle to two FC Jerusalem members, sang a beautiful rendition of Machnisei Rachamim and Shir Hashalom to a cheering crowd. The outpouring of exuberance, emotion and kindness from the audience was tangible to all participants.
The evening was capped by a surprise act, as 15-year-old FC member Tutti Sasson entertained the audience with a text she had prepared, giving brachot to every guest. Her enthusiasm was infectious and was met by the audience as they called out ‘Amen’ to each blessing. Not one to be intimidated by a crowd of close to 1000, Tutti interspersed her own sense of humor throughout the prepared text.
An inspired guest summed up the evening as follows, “I want you to know, we had the most wonderful, meaningful time; This was no ordinary concert where we sit and enjoy solely for our own benefit. The Rockin’ Friendship concert served a greater purpose. My granddaughter said to me, “Zaidy, thank you for taking me to the best concert ever,” and that really says something, as she’s been to many concerts with very famous singers. Here, she felt as though on a mission. Thank you for teaching her the values of inclusion, acceptance and pure friendship.”
VIDEO: Concert Recap
Photos by Mendi Hechtman
Video by Yanki Elharar
Event producers- Tzvaim Productions
wow nice the main thing you all had a nice time and that is important go 8 Th day you rock
I was there and the guys of the 8th Day were incredible. Lebedik, varm and super professional. It was a massive kiddish hashem. The place had many non yet frum people and they were blown away. Yasherkoach.
To see is to believe and no amount of words can express the atmosphere of the evening, the pictures however say it all. What an amazing event. Thank you F.C of Jerusalem
Way to go FC Jerusalem! This years concert was truly amazing and inspiring!
Under the Amazing leadership of Reb Eli and Rebitzen Chana Canterman – together with your incredible staff / you never cease to amaze us what you are achieving year after year ( boruch hashem ) with all your hard work and diligence for those special Kinderlech .
May Hashem yisbaruch continue to bless all of you with many , many productive years ahead – good health to all
Eli and Yitty Glaser
Yerushalyim – New York
Mi k’amcha!! Fc jeru!! And 8th Day.m yahsherkoyach!!
This is so incredible!!! I attended the concert last year and was truly inspired by the power of this organization. This year’s concert blew me away even more!!! I hope friendship circle Jerusalem continues going from strength to strength because these amazing kids NEED YOU!! Chani and Eli Kol Hakavod!! To anyone else that is involved in this. G-d bless you!!
For many years children with special needs were left alone but now thanks to Rabbi and Mrs Canterman, children in the Holy Land share a place in society and feel loved. Keep up the great work!