NYC Charity Concert Headlined by Matisyahu to Support Southern Israel Post October 7th Massacre

Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu will perform at a benefit concert in New York City this September to raise funds for rebuilding communities in southern Israel affected by the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks. The event, organized by Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) and named "One Day" after Matisyahu’s hit song, will take place on September 22, just two weeks before the one-year anniversary of the tragic massacre.

The “One Day” concert is part of Ben-Gurion University’s (BGU) ambitious $1 billion global fundraising campaign, Way Forward, which aims to support Israel's future in the Negev region post the October 7 atrocities. So far, the campaign has successfully raised over $380 million.

"During such challenging times for Jews worldwide, it’s essential that we come together to advocate for our people, including by supporting organizations that are leading the way forward for Israel after Oct. 7," Matisyahu stated. "That’s precisely why I was inspired to use my voice for A4BGU and BGU, who are working to build the Israeli people’s resilience and are playing a central role in their road to recovery."

Matisyahu has a history of supporting Israel through his music. He dedicated his 2004 song “Warrior” to wounded Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers he met at an A4BGU event in Aspen, Colorado. This May, he released a song addressing antisemitism, with its music video filmed at the site of the Nova music festival massacre on Oct. 7, featuring survivors of the Hamas attack.

Matisyahu has been vocal about his support for Israel following the Oct. 7 attacks, which has resulted in professional setbacks, including being dropped by his manager and having several concerts canceled. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to advocating for Israel.

"Matisyahu’s song ‘One Day’ expresses a hope for an end to violence and hate, as well as the start of a new era of peace and understanding. After Oct. 7, the world needs this message more than ever," said Doug Seserman, CEO of A4BGU. "We are thrilled to have Matisyahu lend his voice towards A4BGU’s efforts around the rebuilding of Israel’s South, with Ben-Gurion University leading the way forward as the epicenter of the region and the key to its recovery."

Ben-Gurion University suffered significant losses due to the Oct. 7 attacks, with the highest number of students, faculty, and staff killed, injured, missing, kidnapped, displaced, or called to reserve duty with the IDF among all academic institutions in Israel. Hundreds of BGU community members remain on active duty. In response to the attacks, BGU students and faculty have volunteered in hospitals, cared for children of IDF soldiers, and hosted evacuated families, families of casualties, and army reservists.

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