Pasadena’s Jewish, Christian and Muslim Students Celebrates Daniel Pearl World Music Days Event
Weizmann Day School, New Horizon School, and St. Mark’s School invite the community to attend their 9th annual interfaith Daniel Pearl “Harmony for Humanity” Concert on October 12, 2012 at 11:00 am. The concert will take place on the Weizmann Day School campus located at 1434 N. Altadena Drive in Pasadena. This special concert brings together Jewish, Muslim and Christian elementary school age children singing songs of peace and understanding.
This local concert is part of a global Daniel Pearl World Music Days event (www.danielpearlmusicdays.org) honoring journalist Daniel Pearl, an accomplished musician who was killed by terrorists on assignment in Pakistan in 2002. Pearl’s tragically short life was spent in the pursuit of fellowship and understanding across cultures. This annual event, commemorating his October birthday, is part of an international network of concerts that use the power of music to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance and humanity. Since 2002, Daniel Pearl World Music Days has grown to include the participation of more than 8,900 performances in 119 countries, including past performances by Barbra Streisand, REM, Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary), Sting, and Sir Elton John. The uniting theme is “Harmony for Humanity”—to encourage fellowship across cultures to honor the legacy of Daniel Pearl through the musical medium he loved.
“Lately the news seems to focus on strife in interfaith relations in our own country, and the challenges to the renewed Middle East peace process currently under way, yet there are so many positive stories to share – and this event is a perfect example. Seeing our students sharing one small stage, and hearing their beautiful voices fills us with hope that our current generation will be rally around our shared humanity and overcome past obstacles,” said Lisa Feldman, Weizmann Day School Head of School. “To continue to build on this special relationship through the years, our students become pen pals and enjoy field trips and other shared learning activities together. Some of the students have gone on to attend junior high schools with their pen pals, and enjoyed having a head start on their friendships.”
Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, who presented Weizmann Day School with a Model of Unity award in previous years, may be in attendance. Last year we had the pleasure of Daniel Pearl’s parents, Dr. Judea and Ruth Pearl, joining us and addressing the audience, and they are planning to attend again. As always, this year’s concert is free and open to the public.
About Weizmann Day School
Established in 1983, Weizmann Day School is a non-profit, independent co-educational elementary school (Kindergarten-8th grade) offering outstanding academic education enriched by Judaic principles and values. Our school is committed to maintaining small class sizes with differentiated teaching strategies to fit individual students’ educational and social development. We believe academic achievement goes hand-in-hand with tikkun olam (making the world a better place). We welcome students and families from a wide variety of Jewish, interfaith and diverse backgrounds. For more information, visit www.weizmann.net.
New Horizon School is an independent Islamic school in Pasadena, visit www.NewHorizonSchool.org for more information.
St. Mark’s School is a non-profit, co-educational Episcopal day school in Altadena, view them online at www.Saint-Marks.org.
