Adam Kleinberg. Wants to live in Israel
Photo: Aviv Hofi
Hallelujah participants in Channel 1 documentary
Photo: Aviv Hofi
'Hallelujah' winners making aliyah
Adam Kleinberg of Mexico, who won first place in international Jewish song contest, interested in developing his musical skills in Israel. Runner up, Oliver Ghnassia of Belgium, plans to immigrate to Jewish state in coming months
About a month ago, they took part in the 2011 Hallelujah international song contest
for young Jewish adults from all around the world. After taking the first and second places, the two young Jewish men have decided to immigrate to Israel
and develop their musical skills in the Holy Land.
Adam Kleinberg, 21, of Mexico, who won the first place, is interested in studying music in Israel and using the prize money ($8,000) to pay for his tuition. Oliver Ghnassia, 19, of Belgium, who came in second and received $4,000, is also planning to make aliyah in the coming months.
"The contest made me want to return to Israel, live there and develop as a singer," says Kleinberg.
Ghnassia adds, "I feel the need to live in Israel. Before participating in Hallelujah, I didn't know how the world of music works in Israel. Thanks to the contest, I was exposed to the work of military bands and realized that there are many other song contests and a lot of room to develop in this field in Israel.
"Participating in Hallelujah is the most interesting thing I have ever done in my life. We were escorted by excellent professionals, and the Jewish friends who arrived from all over the world allowed us to get to know each other and connect through music. It was something out of this world."
A film documenting the 30 finalists' journey in Israel will be broadcast on Channel 1 TV this week, in addition to the final in which Adam Kleinberg was crowned "Jewish idol".
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