The famous Israeli singer Amir Benayoun, known for his Middle Eastern fusion sound and right-wing message, took part in a graduation ceremony at the Makor Chaim Yeshiva in Gush Etzion on Wednesday, where two of the kidnapped teens studied.
The traditional year-end ceremony was not its usual joyous occasion, due to the absence of Gilad Sha'ar (16) and Naftali Frenkel (16), who were abducted along with Eyal Yifrah (19) two weeks ago by Hamas terrorists whose identities were revealed Thursday night.
"They kidnap Jews with and without kippot (yarmulkes)," remarked Benayoun in a statement of unity for the Israeli society, reports Channel 10.
Benayoun added "I never thought I'd be at a moment like this, when I, a 40-year-old guy, am standing before 15- and 16-year-old youths. I just want to salute you all, but the tzaddik (righteous person) sitting next to me told me not to come with a depressed face."
The students were visibly moved by Benayoun's songs. He released a new song dedicated to the three, entitled "You're Not Alone," on his Facebook page last Wednesday.
"Eyal, Naftali and Gilad; remember at all times Father is watching; and G-d willing he will extend his hand and take you out of there," sings Benayoun in the song.
The lyrics continue: "I'm just a Jew that sings for you; not even dust on your feet; but even just a Jew needs to pray today."
There has been an outpouring of songs supporting the three kidnapped teens.
Israeli singers Gad Elbaz and Naftali Kalfa released a prayerful song entitled "Bring Back Our Boys," while Shmueli, an American Jewish singer and musician, posted on YouTube a soulful anthem calling for the release under the same title.