I
t’s safe to say the past 11 months have
been among the most dramatic in
Matisyahu’s 20-year career as a recording
artist.
And that’s saying something.
In the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks,
the Grammy Award-nominated singer/
rapper/songwriter/producer has been
among Israel’s most vociferous supporters
and, consequently, any of his performances
and other public appearances have become
targets for protest. But he remains unbowed
in his support, confident in one undeniable
fact.
“I have a microphone and a very loud
band, and no one else does,” Matisyahu says
from his home in Rockland County in the
southernmost tip of New York state. He will
perform at a benefit for United Hatzalah on
Sept. 17 at Adat Shalom Synagogue. “So, it’s
not like an open forum for debate. It’s up to
me to control the vibe of what we’re doing.”
Nevertheless, he acknowledges that’s a
more challenging task now than it’s been at
most other points of the past two decades
since the release of his debut album Shake
Off the Dust ... Arise.
“We were definitely up against a lot
of antisemitism and protesting,” notes
Matisyahu, who even had to cancel some
concerts when employees at the venues
refused to work during his shows.
“I’ve had a little bit of a break to regroup,
so we’ll see what happens moving forward.
Going back out now it’s similar, with the
college students going back to school. We’re
going to all see what we’re up against and
keep fighting the good fight.
“I’m still connected to the message of
peace,” he said. “It’s a very Jewish concept to
have peace. But right now we need people
to stand up for Israel and stand against
antisemitism. I think there’s not been
enough emphasis made on what happened
Oct. 7, and I think there’s been a sort of
brainwashing in the culture.
“Every Jew has been up against somewhat
of an identity crisis to figure out where they
stand in all of this. I just try to be there to
support everybody who’s going out on their
journey.”
WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE
There’s no question about where Matisyahu
stands, however — and his existential
concerns for the future.
“My specific views are that Israel is at
Matisyahu to perform at United Hatzalah
benefit at Adat Shalom Synagogue.
Unbowed
GARY GRAFF CONTRIBUTING WRITER
OUR COMMUNITY
14 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024
PHOTOS: MATISYAHU’S FACEBOOK PAGE
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