Few words gifted to the world by the Jewish people are as evocative as the beautiful ‘Shalom’. It is at the same time a wish, aspiration, vision and ideal encapsulating the highest and most noble potential for the future of humanity. It has no nationality, knows no boundaries, has limitless promise. Shalom brings people together, breaks down barriers and makes friends. Put simply, Shalom is the pursuit of peace on earth. Could anything be more worthy of celebration at the world’s biggest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe?
Last August I was afforded the privilege of introducing the Shalom Declaration at the seventh Shalom Festival in Brussels, an inspiring event held by the unaligned Alliance for Peace in the Middle East. Reporting back to the Board of Deputies’ grassroots consultant Steven Jaffe it became clear that the positive Belgian experience, based upon dialogue as the basis for coexistence, tolerance and freedom of expression, could and should be replicated here.
Shalom – peace - is a process, the pursuit of well-being for all. We want the festival to be a joyous and exuberant expression of the culture of an ancient yet recently re-born nation; of the world’s only Jewish state and (perhaps therefore) a place of security for Christians, Druse, Muslims, Bedouin, Baha’i and others who are being mercilessly persecuted in neighbouring areas. The creative tensions in this start-up state have produced a rich and varied artistic culture known for its vivacity, humour, originality and vibrant energy.
On Wednesday August 17 ordinary people who believe in such a hope for peace are hosting the inaugural International Shalom Festival in Central Hall Edinburgh, a prestigious 1,000 seater venue in the heart of the city. Our headline act, Anna RF, beautifully reflect this on their website: “We create music that combines the beauty of different cultures and brings people together in a joyful celebration of unity. Our sound is a mix between east and west, blending ancient and modern instruments with a live-electronic touch. The message of the songs is one of happiness and freedom”. Anna RF were invited to an audience with the Pope last month in recognition of their outreach for peace and harmony through their music. How wonderful is that?
This festival is being organised and run by volunteers and financed entirely by donations and sponsorship. As such it will have a relaxed, party feel. The day will bring together those with differences who are living amongst each other and planning a future together. Ordinary people with an extraordinary hope: the glory that is Israel.
Nigel Goodrich is the CEO of the International Shalom Festival
www.shalomfestival.org
www.shalomdeclaration.org
