Israel Philharmonic planning "hope" video with global submissions

• The initiative also comes as college campuses in the U.S. see pro-Palestinian protests in response to the war and amid a global rise in antisemitic hate crimes.

Zoom in: American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra CEO Jennifer Hughes tells Axios the effort to create a "single virtual choir" is aimed at transcending political division.

• "War is, at its essence, an inhumane act. And music is this counterpart, this expression of shared humanity."
• Hughes said the project seeks to unite Jewish people worldwide but doesn't seek to make a statement on a particular issue other than expressing hope for Israel and peace.
• "The players in the orchestra... they're musicians, not politicians."

Context: The opening of the Israel Philharmonic's 87th season was delayed last year due to the war in Gaza.

• The orchestra pivoted by performing in trios and quartets for evacuated families from Gaza border communities and northern towns, and for those who were injured and hospitalized, per the Times of Israel.

• Shortly after the Oct. 7 attacks, the orchestra performed a live broadcast concert, playing to the faces of the hostages whose photos were placed on the seats in the front row.

How it works: The American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra asked people to record themselves singing Hatikvah and submit the footage through their website.

• The group will then edit the audio and video to be played with the Israel Philharmonic.
• The final video for Israel's Independence Day will be released on May 14 at 10 am ET.