The Jews and The Blues Draws Crowd

We recently held our first in-person event in nearly two years! The Jews and The Blues is a feature documentary exploring how the music of the blues has found unlikely audiences in Israel, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Chaired by longtime ImpactIsrael supporters Talee and Harvey Potter, the evening took place at Blue Room, a lively space in midtown Manhattan. After a cocktail hour featuring modern kosher bites, over 100 guests proceeded to a large screening room where Harvey spoke about his passion for our work. "As many of you know," Harvey began, "I'm a one-trick pony when it comes to supporting organizations in a meaningful way. For me, it's really just ImpactIsrael, and that's because their work is life changing."

When Harvey handed the microphone to Yemin Orde graduate Eden Igzau, she chose to speak without it, her voice confidently carrying itself to the back of the at-capacity room. She spoke of her journey from a very shy teen, who had difficulty communicating even in one-on-one scenarios, to a confident public speaker and leader.

“During my time in the IDF, "she continued, "I was responsible for over 60 troops. I guess that’s why I don't need a microphone,” she joked. Although there was much truth to that statement.

After the film, attendees were treated to a live performance by acclaimed Israeli singer-songwriter Lazer Lloyd, who is featured in the film. All in all, it was a great evening.

“This was the best charity event I’ve ever been to," remarked ImpactIsrael supporter Marcelo Messer. "And I’ve been to plenty."

We are very excited to be back to in-person events, and especially ones of this caliber.