Israel raps on campus tour

In America, the common image of rap artists is to challenge authority, but for the Israeli Consulate in New York, the presence of popular Israeli rap band Hadag Hahash underscores the country’s message to the world. “It’s very important to remember that there is life in Israel and this is a celebration of life,” said Yuli Edelstein, the Israeli Minister for Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs.

The Israeli band, whose name translates as “Snakefish” has six widely selling albums to date and has toured U.S. College campuses in an effort to promote Israeli good will and the contemporary society of the Jewish state. The music is a blend of western pop meets Middle East. On stage, instruments include a turntable, trombones and drums alongside fast-paced Hebrew lyrics. Song subjects include political and social commentary.

“We address issues concerning Israel and most of my songs have criticism in them,” said vocalist Shaanan Streett. Alongside the Hadag Nashash, Israeli television presenter Becky Griffin spoke about her travels around American college campuses.

“We made Jewish students more connected to their roots and we also met Arab students. One Lebanese student contacted us because she did not just want the Palestinian side of the story,” Griffin said.

Consul General Ido Aharoni added that the March 6 concert at Baruch College was part of a larger effort to promote a nonpartisan image of Israel to college audiences.

“You build relationships by showing your culture. Israel is a pluralistic society and tonight’s music shows it to the world,” Aharoni said.