A crowd of over 5,000 people packed into the arena in Efrat, Gush Etzion on Thursday (June 7, 2012) to watch the tribute concert of hasidic singer Avraham Fried, for the children of SHALVA. The enthusiastic crowd didn't stop cheering and singing with the popular singer, whose choice of songs were insipred by his experience weeks earliar at the Shalva Center in Jerusalem.
The exciting climax of the evening occured when the SHALVA Band made up of various children who attend SHALVA, joined Avraham Fried on stage to sing and play along with the singer and his musical composition, for the song "Little Leaf". It was an electrifying and exciting moment and the words of the chorus took on additional meaning:
"Hold on, my little leaf
Because things outside are not always clear
The strong wind and the cold storm
Remember and be strong, I am with you!
Hold on, my little leaf. "
The eyes of the thousands of people in attendance became filled with tears when Avraham Fried sang these words together with the SHALVA Band in intense prayer.
There are few such performances where the crowd leaves feeling like they have undergone a spiritual experience. After more than two hours of polished musical performance, staged and produced to the highest standards, the crowd scattered, elated and satisfied. Since the evening of the concert we have recieved a nonstop flow of positive feedback regarding the emotion, truth and honesty radiating from the stage in Efrat and the impression the elegant production made.
We thank Avraham Fried and the production team for their dedication and cooperation at the event which will not be easily forgotten.
All proceeds from the show have been dedicated to the children of SHALVA.
