David Broza seeks donations for Israeli-Palestinian project
Israeli singer-songwriter hopes to create a documentary film to accompany his 'East Jerusalem West Jerusalem' album as a way to promote peace.
Broza is now in the midst of raising money through an Indiegogo campaign which will allow the film to be completed.
One of the central themes of the album, and much of Broza’s music, is a message of peace. Broza says that despite being born into a war-torn country, and constantly being aware of the conflicts that surrounded him, his goal was to always work to promote peace.
His aim with the documentary was to show himself and the group of fellow musicians that he recorded the album with, from all across Israel and the Palestinian Authority, being in community with each other, putting their differences aside, and just letting the music bring them together.
"The process of recording in the studio was made up of two very specific elements," Broza explained in an interview with Shalom Life. "One, and most important was the actual recording studio where all the music was played and recorded. And the other element was the food! Especially dinner time.
"We had an Israeli and a Palestinian chef and their crews. They prepared us banquets that will not be forgotten. That is when we all got to relax together. Israeli, Palestinian, American musicians and just friends who came and joined us for the evenings. For the most part we didn't go into the studio to record after dinner. We'd have eaten too much and enjoyed a lot of wine. But the camaraderie, the stories and the laughs were enough to make us all let go and relax and continue the next day."
Broza hopes that through his Indiegogo campaign he can raise enough money to have the film completed and to bring his message of peace to people all around the world. He encourages anyone who is interested to get involved.
"My suggestion and hope is that people who are curious about the project will look into my Indiegogo campaign and find some objects to be purchased and thus become supporters of the film and the music. The offerings are all the way from the download of the CD and the film, to special T-shirts designed by the great Nili Lotan.
"There are events offered, such as talks and music and meet-and-greet events and a unique and stunning Nili Lotan silk dress. This is all for inspirational purposes and entertainment.
"This project has brought me much happiness and sense of fulfillment. The mere fact that we did it in eight days and eight nights and felt fulfilled and accomplished musically is the greatest achievement. Now I want to play and show it to the world."
As for what’s next for Broza, he says that the East Jerusalem West Jerusalem project will likely keep him busy for quite some time, but that he is also in the process of recording his next album with the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra from Ashkelon.
"This project is beautiful as I mix elements of Arab music from North Africa and mine," he says.
Broza's Indiegogo campaign ends October 18. To donate, click here .
Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life .
