David Broza greeted fans following his December 23 New York concert. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

It is an event that has become a tradition. The initial David Broza December 24^th concert was a sort of replacement for the Town Hall evening cancelled on the shocking night 15 years ago when news of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin filtered through a packed Town Hall auditorium.  The empty stage filled to capacity as Broza, alone, walked to its center, confirmed what a packed audience had hoped was rumor, and sang a soulful “Hatikvah.”   Many left in tears; hundreds walked through a bitter cold New York to stand vigil at the Israeli Consulate.

The “replacement” concert was scheduled December 24; these next 15 years are history.

David Broza, Israeli Superstar, in concert, December 23, at the 92Y in New York. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

The music of David Broza is always amazing.  Characterized as “charismatic and energetic” Broza is that and far more.  An eminently skilled musician with a multifaceted vocal and instrumental style, he has been called Israel’s Bruce Springsteen.  Broza presents music in many styles, including Israeli, Spanish, and American – in the December 23^rd performance, more than the expected percentage of the program paid homage to his Spanish and American musical experiences.

Broza’s combined Israeli/rock/gypsy folk rock style is unmatched. His songs are multifaceted, singing of love, of the human spirit, and, of the so deeply desired peace.  His beloved Hebrew classics were, of course, warmly received. As he announced his signature Yeheya Z’man (A Time Will Come) based on words by Israeli poet Jonathon Geffen, he reminisced, a bit more subdued, more serious than I have heard in past.  “Can you believe,” he queried, “it’s thirty three years since I first sang this song” he queried. “Still we hope.”