Join the Klezmer Rebs and the Wellington City Shake ‘Em on Downers for a concert to benefit the Israeli volunteers who meet and transport Palestinians for urgent medical treatment.

When: Saturday 4 March, from 7.30pm

Where: Aro Valley Community Hall

How much: $25 / $18 concession – All funds to to Road to Recovery

The Road to Recovery fundraiser concert – what is Road to Recovery?

In a special, musical gesture to unity, two local bands, the Wellington City Shake ‘Em On Downers and the Klezmer Rebs, will perform at a benefit concert for the Road to Recovery.

The Road to Recovery is a voluntary, non-profit, NGO that joins Israelis and Palestinians.  Its 700 Israeli volunteers met 3600 Palestinians last year at the crossings between the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Israel.  Volunteers drive each Palestinian to an Israeli hospital for urgent medical treatment.  The Road to Recovery believes that “the way to peace and trust between Israelis and Palestinians must encompass face-to-face meetings between people who put their humanity before any considerations of religious faith or politics.”

Wellingtonian Marilyn Garson worked and lived in the Gaza Strip for four years, 2011 – 2015.  She now speaks about her experience.  One group of listeners wanted to contribution to solutions, and they wanted the fundraising itself to bring together Kiwis from different backgrounds and politics.

Marilyn proposed the Road to Recovery.  Three of her colleagues’ families have needed humanitarian diagnosis or treatment in Israel.

“Hospitality is one of Gaza’s defining qualities.  In my experience, Gazans were grateful and relieved to be welcomed in Israel, arriving at a vulnerable moment of serious family illness.  The Road to Recovery makes a gesture, not a fix – but it’s a fine, dignified gesture.  When the conflict is resolved, as it must be, gestures like theirs will have sown some trust for people to live together.”

The Road to Recovery (http://www.roadtorecovery.org.il) is funded entirely by donations.  Costs vary between $36 and $54 for each patient transfer.  For a couple of tickets, you can dance in the knowledge that you’ve helped one Palestinian to get to medical help.”

 

The bands are donating their time, and the concert organizers hope to find sponsorship for the costs, so that they can donate the full ticket price to the Road to Recovery.

The concert will be held at the Aro Community Hall, Saturday March 4.  Tickets cost $25 or $18 for unwaged, and they can be bought online at http://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/53016/Road-To-Recovery-Benefit-Concert—Wellington-Helps-The-Helpers.utr

Cash sales only at the door.  The doors open at 7:30 for an 8:00 start.