By COLlive reporter
On the 100th day of captivity of the Israeli hostages in Gaza, Sunday, January 14th, 2024, a Yellow Piano and its symbol “You Are Not Alone” was installed in Washington Square Park in New York City.
The piano hosted musicians and pianists throughout the day as well as welcomed the public to play. Among the performers were Israeli musician David Broza and Chabad musician Chony Milecki. Dozens gathered around to stand with the hostages and their families, and were uplifted by the music and messages of hope.
Strangers are captivated by the Yellow Piano Installation, a worldwide effort to highlight the fact that Hamas is still holding more than 100 people hostage, including accomplished musician Alon Ohel.
Alon Ohel, an innocent civilian and a talented 22-year-old pianist, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from the Nova festival in Israel on October 7th.
The uncertainty surrounding Alon’s fate casts a profound shadow of sorrow and distress on his family. With each passing day, their concern deepens, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The family earnestly appeals that the return of the abductees, Alon included, should be the top priority for those who value life and human rights. Alon, an innocent civilian taken from a peace festival, is held in unknown and life-threatening conditions, alongside numerous other hostages. The family issues a heartfelt call for collective concern, emphasizing that any delay further endangers lives.
In an effort to draw attention to Alon’s situation and the plight of 136 hostages, the Yellow Piano installation was created in Tel Aviv and in Berlin. It instantly and deeply impacted the public and continues to generate significant attention and support.
The piano is accessible to the public, allowing them to play and engage with the message Alon’s family wants to send, that music is a cross-border language that has the power to touch everyone, regardless of their religion, nationality, age, or gender. The Yellow Piano serves as a powerful symbol, which enables a moment of connection, unity and solidarity between people.
The event is a project of Alon Ohel’s family in Israel and was produced locally by Dekel Hamatian, a family friend of Ohel.
Rabbi Yaacov Behrman of the Jewish Future Alliance worked with Moshe Davis from the Mayor’s office, Parks Department, and NYPD officials to obtain permission and secure the event.
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