In honor of Black History Month, the New Jersey-Israel Commission brings a special production by Grammy Award Winner Miri Ben-Ari in collaboration with Derrick Starks

 

Newark, NJ (February 8, 2023) –

The New Jersey-Israel Commission is co-sponsoring a groundbreaking and unforgettable musical experience celebrating the shared fellowship of Black, Jewish and Christian communities on Sunday, February 26 at 6pm in honor of Black History Month. The concert, dubbed ‘Symphony of Brotherhood,’ is a production by Israeli-American Grammy Award winning artist Miri Ben-Ari, in collaboration with world-renowned gospel performer Derrick Starks. This special event will fuse cultures, musical genres, and soulful sounds, at Wells Cathedral Church at 672 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. in Newark.

Co-sponsored by the Church of God in Christ, the concert, titled “Symphony of Brotherhood,” the name of Ben-Ari’s latest hit (featuring Flo Rida), also includes special performances by the reputable Melonie Daniels, Lena Starks, kr3ts dance company, and Dr. Pauline Plummer, Founder of Covenant Daughters International, in an evening of love and harmony.

Government officials and community leaders from across the state will attend the event, including New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way, New Jersey-Israel Commission leadership, Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Bishop of Israel and the first African American bishop ever to reside in Israel Glenn Plummer, and Bishop Kevin Knight.

There is no cost to attend the event, but advanced registration is requested via Eventbrite.

“Music has the unique capacity to unite our communities and remind us of the power and strength of friendship,” said Ben-Ari, also a member of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “The goal of our event is to celebrate Black History Month together, a collaboration between local Christian, Black, Jewish and Israeli-American communities coming together in unity.”

“New Jersey is celebrated as a melting pot of so many various cultures, and the New Jersey-Israel Commission has, once again, created an initiative to unite our communities,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “I am thrilled to be celebrating Black History Month by attending this one-of-a-kind ‘Symphony of Brotherhood’ concert and we are looking forward to seeing how this unique performance will unite our communities and deepen friendships for the people of New Jersey.”

Miri Ben-Ari is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, producer, humanitarian, “Goodwill Ambassador of Music” to the United Nations, TED speaker, and member of the New Jersey-Israel Commission.

About the New Jersey-Israel Commission
The New Jersey-Israel Commission was established in 1989 to implement the goals of the New Jersey-Israel Sister State Agreement and is under the administration of New Jersey Department of State. The Commission promotes the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourages the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and fosters a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey.

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