new york | American Jewish military personnel returning from Iraq will join some 2,500 fellow Jews at a Chanukah concert at Carnegie Hall.
Jewish performing artist Avraham Fried and Broadway star Dudu Fisher will share the stage at the “Concert for Freedom,” on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The event, which is a benefit for the Aleph Institute’s “Operation: Enduring Tradition,” will also feature Australia’s leading Jewish 46-piece symphonic wind ensemble.
Fried is a prolific recording artist of traditional and popular Jewish music, while Fisher has gained recognition for his cantorial pursuits as well as his long-running role in shows including “Les Miserables.”
“Aleph has always been there for me and for those under my charge,” says Rabbi Mitchell Ackerson, a military chaplain in Operation Iraqi Freedom. “For as long as I can remember, Aleph has tirelessly and effectively serviced the spiritual needs of men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces around the world, providing religious materials, and always much appreciated kosher food.”
Ackerson will be a featured speaker at the event, sharing his first-hand experience of what it was like to be a Jew on the front during the Iraqi war. In addition to serving as a supervisor for 10 chaplain teams and coordinating counseling and worship services for approximately 2,000 Jewish soldiers and other military personnel, he served as a bridge between Jewish soldiers and American Jewry by provisioning religious items and holiday necessities for the troops.
“My troops and I have always been able to count on Aleph, and I know that Aleph can count on the support of the Jewish community back home. There is no better time than now to send that message. I encourage everyone to join us at the concert and to support Aleph in any way they can.”