Gaya (Mother Earth) :

I guess i could make it real short and summarise this night in one word - HILULA (celebration in Hebrew).
From the very first moment it was clear, this night is all about celebration, love, peace and being together. 'Yachad' (together) is also the big smash hit by Gaya these days, there was no way around but to start the evening with this one and it took about 12 seconds before all the crowd is on it's feet dancing. Gaya knew what people came for and the audience knew what they want, a bit of dancing some love and get together.

Most of Gaya's songs got very spiritual kind of titles ,mix of Gaya, Love, God, Salam, Yalla and many others. That's how it works these days if you're into world music, what we need is love. So right after 'Yachad' comes 'Gaya Galbi' and 'Oh Lord' (ANA ELI) all with great middle eastern rhythms using darbukas, oud and lots of hand clapping. Time for a 'Ha Adama Hazot' (this land) , quite piece about the situation in Israel ("..we're all children of God and need to find a way to live together..") and back again to the big happy celebration.

Just before the end couple more big hits, 'Baraka' (blessing) and 'Hilula' (celebration), big happy colourful dance tunes. So is it all there is we asked ? No , of course not , it's the encore time. Gaya are back and this time for another round of 'Yachad' sung with the crowd and now it's time for some 'tradition'. 'Am Israel Chai' they sing and everyone is happy with that (and why shouldn't we be?) .It's nearly closing time and it means it's time for ... 'Hatikva' , all standing and singing loud and clear.

Big night out is over and that's the time to thank the JNF & Shlomo Ben Haim for organising this evening. Seems like people will be more than happy to have few other nights like this one.

All together now ... 'Yachad ...lalalala'

Zvulun Shalev
mailto:krembo@ozemail.com.au