Nearly 3,000 attendees filled Newark Symphony Hall, with tens of thousands more joining online, for an unforgettable evening of unity, music, and support for the heroes of ZAKA.
In a night defined by emotion, inspiration, and Jewish pride, the “One Heart One Song” concert, produced by Signature Experiences, brought together thousands for a transformative musical experience honoring ZAKA’s courageous volunteers.
The evening opened with an exclusive VIP Dinner masterfully designed by Joe Flohr of Joe Flohr Events, where guests had the opportunity to meet ZAKA members face-to-face. Supporters listened firsthand to stories of resilience and devotion, setting a deeply meaningful tone for the night.
Once inside the theater, MC Nachi Gordon of MeaningfulMinute welcomed the crowd as the Freilach Orchestra struck its first notes, beginning a musical journey that would move the audience from tears to joy and back again.
The show kicked off with Itzik Dadya, whose authentic Israeli energy made Newark Symphony Hall feel like the heart of Jerusalem. He was followed by Shulem Lemmer, who delivered a powerful and emotional set highlighted by a stirring performance of Kehilos Hakodesh, honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The emotion reached new heights when Benny Friedman took the stage for a thunderous rendition of Yama. ZAKA volunteers, wearing their iconic yellow vests, rose to their feet, dancing arm in arm as Benny jumped offstage to join them, creating one of the defining moments of the night.
Shifting the tone, viral comedian Dovi Neuberger had the audience roaring with laughter during a stand-up set that added levity and joy to the already electric atmosphere.
A wave of nostalgia swept through the hall as Shalsheles, appearing on stage for the first time in 14 years, performed a soaring medley of their greatest hits.
Avraham Fried followed with a roaring rock medley of his timeless classics, a pair of stunning duets, and finishing with an English medley dedicated to the heroes of ZAKA, moving the room with the words, “You are the unsung heroes of the world.”
Benny and Shulem returned to the stage and took the audience on a journey of songs depicting the Jewish people’s timeless ability to rise above suffering. The set concluded with a surprise appearance by Baruch Levine.
The show closed with a roaring, unifying “Am Yisrael Chai” dance, as all of the ZAKA members joined the performers on stage, leaving not a single person seated as simcha filled the air.
A highlight that went viral across WhatsApp and social media was a jaw-dropping duet by Benny Friedman and Itzik Dadya of Israeli hit “Yerushalayim” beseeching Hashem for mashiach “תביא אותו היום!
The One Heart One Song concert was produced by Signature Experiences, a division of SING Entertainment, and directed by Chaim Zippel.
The fundraiser to help the ZAKA members heal and reacclimate to regular life is still ongoing here.
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I spy Reggie
Kol hakavod to all who put this beautiful event together! We should only know simchas and not need this organization but hvs if we do, thank you Zaka for what you do for klal yisrael!!