Pasadena’s Jewish, Christian and Muslim Students Celebrate Shared Commitment to Humanity Through Song as Part of 11th Annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days Event
Weizmann Day School, New Horizon School, St. Mark’s School and the Peace and Justice Academy invite the community to attend their 11th annual interfaith Daniel Pearl “Harmony for Humanity” Concert on October 22, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. The concert will take place on the Weizmann Day School campus located at 1434 N. Altadena Drive in Pasadena. This special concert brings together Jewish, Muslim and Christian elementary and middle school-age children singing songs of peace and understanding.
This local event is part of a global Daniel Pearl World Music Days concert series (www.danielpearlmusicdays.org) honoring journalist Daniel Pearl, an accomplished musician who was killed by terrorists while on assignment in Pakistan in 2002. Pearl’s tragically short life was spent in the pursuit of fellowship and humanity across cultures. This annual program, commemorating his October birthday, now includes over 11,900 performances across 132 countries including past performances by Barbra Streisand, REM, Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary, Elton John, and The Bacon Brothers (Kevin Bacon’s band). The uniting theme is “Harmony for Humanity” to honor the legacy of Daniel Pearl through the musical medium he loved and actively practiced.
“Lately the news seems to focus on strife in interfaith relations in our own country, and the challenges to the renewed Middle East peace process currently under way, yet there are so many positive stories to share – and this event is a perfect example. Seeing our students sharing one small stage, and hearing their beautiful voices fills us with hope that our current generation will rally around our shared, commitment to humanity and to tolerance, and will overcome past obstacles” said Lisa Feldman, Weizmann Day School Head of School. “To continue to build on this special relationship through the years, our students become pen pals and enjoy field trips and other shared learning activities. In the past the students came together to work on an origami project that was displayed in the Pasadena Public Library as well as in Jerusalem. Some of the students have gone on to attend local junior high and high schools with their pen pals, and enjoyed having a head start on their friendships.”
As with several past years’ events, Daniel Pearl’s parents, Dr. Judea and Ruth Pearl will be in attendance. Dr. Pearl will be performing a duet with Wendy Bat-Sarah, Weizmann’s performing arts director accompanied by Weizmann’s student ensemble. As always, this year’s concert is free and open to the public.
About Weizmann Day School
Established in 1983, and celebrating its 31st year in Pasadena, Weizmann Day School (WDS) is a non-profit, independent co-educational elementary and middle school (Kindergarten-8th grade) offering outstanding academic education enriched by Judaic principles and values. WDS school is committed to maintaining small class sizes with differentiated teaching strategies to fit individual students’ educational and social development. Weizmann Day School believe academic achievement goes hand-in-hand with tikkun olam (making the world a better place). They welcome students and families from a wide variety of Jewish, interfaith, and diverse backgrounds. (www.weizmann.net)
New Horizon School is an independent Islamic school in Pasadena. (www.NewHorizonSchool.org)
St. Mark’s School is a non-profit, co-educational Episcopal day school in Altadena. (www.Saint-Marks.org)
The Peace & Justice Academy is a fully-accredited, college preparatory high school where students come together to learn without the need to separate themselves from their faith, traditions, or spirituality.
