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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