Reggae Superstar Matisyahu Stages a Night of Resilience in NYC

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Occasionally, concerts serve double duty, offering both entertainment and education. Last Monday at New York’s City Winery, this was exactly the case as the organization If You Heard What I Heard hosted a “Night of Resilience” fundraiser. While Matisyahu, a reggae rapper, was the headliner, the event’s primary emphasis lay in keeping the Holocaust in our collective memory.

Matisyahu has become a prominent figure, vocally advocating for Israel amidst renewed protests over the Gaza conflict. Last year, three of his concerts were cancelled due to staff refusals to work at the venues. However, this was not an issue at City Winery, which was heavily guarded by a large security team hired by a nonprofit organization. They were determined to ensure no disruptions occurred.

Carolyn Siegel, founder and executive director of If You Heard, announced their resolve to host the concert in her opening remarks. This was their second such event featuring Matisyahu as the headliner, following last May’s Los Angeles benefit that raised $200,000. Siegel expressed hope that the New York show would surpass this amount.

As time passes, the atrocities of the Holocaust during World War II become less relevant to many Americans, with some unaware or even denying the six million Jews who were exterminated by Germany. If You Heard aims to bridge this gap by sharing survivor stories passed down through generations. A video segment showcased some of the 62 survivors and their descendants already interviewed by the group. They have a waiting list of 450 more families to document, which is why they are seeking additional funding and hosting events like this concert.

Matisyahu has gained hero status among the predominantly Jewish audience. When his shows were cancelled, he responded defiantly on social media: “They cancel these concerts because they are either antisemitic or have mistaken their empathy for the Palestinian people with hatred towards someone like me who holds empathy for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Prior to adopting the name Matisyahu, Matthew Miller hailed from White Plains, a suburban area north of New York City. At age 16, he journeyed to Israel and subsequently dropped out of high school, cultivating a unique rapping style that merged his passion for reggae. Later, he relocated to Brooklyn to immerse himself in the orthodox community. Fusing Jewish spirituality with music, Miller assumed the moniker Matisyahu and debuted his first album, Shake Off the Dust… Arise, in 2004.

At City Winery, he and his band performed eight pieces, among them “Sunshine,” “Lord Rise Me Up” and “Surrender.” The musicians remained seated as they played, with Matisyahu extending his long legs (standing at 6-foot-4) and subtly swaying to the rhythm. Matisyahu is a multi-talented artist, shifting between rapping, singing, and beatboxing. His music skillfully amalgamates aspects of Bob Marley and Phish, producing an alluring, jammy blend.

Nearing the end of the performance, Matisyahu welcomed survivor David Zajac and his great-grandchildren onstage. Born in Paris, Zajac was only four when the Nazis detained his family in 1942. While his great-grandfather was transported to Auschwitz and perished there, Zajac’s great-grandmother rescued him and his brother by fleeing to a farm south of Paris. They were eventually saved in 1945.

On the stage, Zajac briefly suggested, “Express your opposition to anti-Semitism and embrace a lifestyle that aligns with Zionism.

Matisyahu commented, “It’s crucial that we stand united. We must respect those who made it through. Witnessing the survivors gives us a reminder that our circumstances could change at any moment, so it’s essential to have a supportive community. I want to express my gratitude to our survivors. I also thank everyone out there who proudly identifies as Jewish. It’s a source of pride and honor, even amidst difficult times, to gather together like this. May blessings come upon our soldiers, our survivors, the music, and our band.

The performer smoothly transitioned to his most recognized melody, “One Day,” off the 2009 album titled Light. Despite the current day’s somber circumstances, such as unreturned Israeli hostages and ongoing conflict, it was a heartening finale.

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2025-03-21 01:55