Concert poster
Concert posterIsrael news photo

The 17th annual Israel Day Concert in New York City is quickly approaching, and organizer, Dr. Joseph Frager, whose indefatigable efforts for the Jewish people include helping found Arutz Sheva,  expects a record 20,000 people to attend. The event will take place Sunday, May 23, in Central Park. Admission is free.

The concert aims to bring together supporters of a united Israel and attracts at least 10,000 every year. It is dedicated to a united Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to Israel standing up to Iran.

"Jerusalem – United Forever,” state the concert posters, which also bear the verse from Psalms, “Built up Jerusalem, a city that is united together.” The poster also warns, “No further concessions in Judea and Samaria.”

The concert is presented in association with Young Israel Chovevei Tzion and will be chaired by Paul and Drora Brody. 

The annual event was founded by Sylvia and Carl Freyer in June 1994 in honor of Dr. Manfred R. Lehmann, the well known international businessman who combined Torah scholarship with fearless activism on the part of the Jewish people and generous philanthropy.  Due to his respected name in Africa where he had business dealings, he was asked to meet with Idi Amin to try to free the Entebbe hostages and almost lost his life during the rescue operation. He was also allowed to see the works of Judaica held in the Vatican and subsequently placed advertisments in the N.Y. Times demanding they be returned to the Jewish people   One of his great loves was the Israel Day Concert and he chaired the first three before his untimely death. This year's concert is dedicated to his family.

Performers will include Eitan Katz, Elad Snir, the Maccabeats, Shlomi Aharoni, and Pey Dalid. Head of World Likud and Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, MK Danny Dannon and  Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will appear as featured speakers. Steve Malzberg, WOR radio commentator and David HaIvri, director of the Shomron Liaison Office, will appear as well.

Radio personality Nachum Segal will emcee.