troubled Israeli youth amid reports that Syria may attack Israel, concert organizers said late Thursday, October 9.
‘Normal Generation?’, that took third place in the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest’s German competition, was invited by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) to participate in its 24th Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles.
The ICEJ announcement came as the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as saying that "the Israeli government is a government of war and cannot continue without war," said the Reuters news agency.
Syria’s envoy to Spain said on Wednesday that Damascus could respond militarily if Israel launched more attacks. Later an official source in Damascus said the envoy’s comments were his "personal understanding of the official position", Reuters claimed.
SUICIDE ATTACK
Buoyed by U.S. backing, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said earlier that Israel would hit its enemies in "any place and any way", having struck what it called a "terrorist" camp in Syria after a Palestinian suicide bombing that killed at least 19 people in Haifa on Saturday.
‘Normal Generation?’ said it wanted to bring some hope to the troubled nation of Israel amid the ongoing violence and threats.
"It could cause us some problems, but in this case we don’t really care," explained the band’s sole female member Rebecca Gamer, in an interview with the ICEJ News Service, that was released just before Syria’s announcement.
CHRISTIANS GATHER
Up to 5,000 Christians from around the world have come to the annual Feast of Tabernacles where ‘Normal Generation?’ will perform, one of the largest annual tourist events in Israel, according to the ICEJ and Israel’s Ministry of Tourism.
It is held during the Jewish celebration of Succot and traditionally celebrates the gathering of the harvest, the coming of the rains, the protection and the provision of God, the ICEJ said.
The Bible reports in John 7:37-38. that Jesus stood in the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles saying "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
HOPE MESSAGE
‘Normal Generation?’ wants to use the event to bring a message of hope to Israeli youngsters, many of whom have become increasingly desperate amid suicide attacks and other tensions, said Gamer, who studied six months in Israel.
"Friendships between the young generations – between young Israelis and young Germans, for instance – can change a lot more than political contracts or speeches," she told several media.
The band will donate funds to troubled youth and combat drug abuse. "Over the years, we have brought a rich variety of speakers and musical talent," The Jerusalem Post newspaper quoted ICEJ spokesperson David Parsons as saying.
NEXT GENERATION
"This year, we’ve decided to emphasize youth and the next generation, since we realize that we have to help raise the next generation of Zionists in the Christian world. ‘Normal Generation?’ is trying to appeal to that generation with good, ‘clean, fun music," he added.
This is the group’s second tour in Israel, following an emotionally charged visit this summer, which included a performances for Holocaust survivors. "Especially us, as young Germans, we wanted to do that," Gamer told the ICEJ News Service.
"We didn’t know how they were going to react. In the beginning they were very reserved, we played a quiet song and then we handed out roses. We told them we cannot change anything in the past but there is a young generation that wants to make a difference."
MAN FORGIVES
She said the concert so moved an older man from Berlin that he stood up and explained that by the band’s coming there, he could now start to forgive and move on.
The band also performed in Palestinian territory – at Bethlehem University and at a Christian center for disabled children.
"Part of our effort is to talk about the (Israeli-Palestinian) subject and raise awareness," Gamer explained. "Christians and others want to know our stand – we tell them Israel is the country where God’s people are to live. The non- Christians do not like it."
The ICEJ has partnered with the Municipality of Jerusalem’s Youth Department to promote and stage the tour.
BRIGHT FUTURE
"Normal Generation’s music and songs are designed to bring young people together from all walks of life and nationalities in order to meet, have fun and affirm a bright future," noted ICEJ Executive Director Malcolm Hedding.
"Their music has a message, and that message is one of hope and peace," he added in a statement seen by BosNewsLife.
