فريقنا
Michael Hunter Ochs
Co-Founder
Michael Hunter Ochs has quietly established himself as one of the most versatile songwriters in America today. His song “In Her Eyes” was recorded by international superstar Josh Groban. The soul-filled “On My Knees” was awarded Song Of The Year honors from both the Gospel Music Association (Dove Award) and the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and spent 14 weeks at #1. Michael’s music has been attached to numerous feature films and TV shows including Downsizing (Matt Damon), My Super Ex-Girlfriend (Uma Thurman), The Terminal (Steven Spielberg), and The Simpsons. His songs have appeared on albums with world wide sales in excess of 20 million units. He frequently travels around the globe to write for various pop stars and his songs have been recorded by international entertainers including, Helene Fischer, the number-one selling artist in Germany. He is published by Kobalt Music Group.
In addition to his success in the world of pop music, Michael is universally recognized as one of the most respected and adored creators of contemporary Jewish music. He has served as Composer In Residence at Congregation Micah in Nashville, TN since 2000. During this time many of his compositions have become essential threads in the fabric of the Reform Jewish movement. Every Friday evening congregations around the world rejoice, reflect, and draw closer singing his songs.
In 2016, Michael was commissioned by New York’s 92nd Street Y to compose an original Rosh Hashanah song, “A New Year.” The song was performed by communities around the world and has amassed over 10 million views on Facebook and YouTube — unprecedented in Jewish music.
This composing talent - along with Michael’s commitment to bringing people together in hope and understanding through song - has found him performing for members of the Nobel Committee, The Congressional Prayer Breakfast, the URJ Biennial, and The Jewish Museum of Berlin – to participate at the 70th Commemoration of Kristallnacht
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Alaa Alshaham
Co-Founder
Alaa Alshaham is a widely successful Palestinian songwriter and commentator. Alaa’s music often reflects the concerns of the Palestinian people. Mr. Alshaham believes that: “Music is not only a universal language; it’s a language for positive change.” His video “Obama Jai” pokes fun at the Palestinian welcome to President Obama’s visit to Palestine in March of 2013. The video was a hit on YouTube and featured on Aljazeera, MBC, Palestinian and Israeli TV and many other media outlets. Mr. Alshaham was told by staff at the US Consulate to Palestine that Obama himself enjoyed the clip! In November of 2011, Mr. Alshaham established the Big Dream Initiative Children’s Choir. Currently the choir boasts over 400 members on its way to one thousand voices singing together for Palestine and for peace. In 2014, Mr. Alshaham was awarded the Children Of The Earth Prize for his work with youth in conflict zone. Most recently he has become more involved in civil society with a high level of interest in Palestinian politics and current affairs. His political-satirical poems and music videos are garnering hundreds of thousands of views and shares across social media. Mr. Alshaham’s warm personality and keen sense of humor shine through in everything he does, including his appearances as commentator on various television and news shows in the region.
Alaa was born in Jordan and moved to Gaza in 1996 following The Oslo Agreement. He left Gaza for the West bank in 2007 – where he currently resides.
Alaa Alshaham is a widely successful Palestinian songwriter and commentator. Alaa’s music often reflects the concerns of the Palestinian people. Mr. Alshaham believes that: “Music is not only a universal language; it’s a language for positive change.” His video “Obama Jai” pokes fun at the Palestinian welcome to President Obama’s visit to Palestine in March of 2013. The video was a hit on YouTube and featured on Aljazeera, MBC, Palestinian and Israeli TV and many other media outlets. Mr. Alshaham was told by staff at the US Consulate to Palestine that Obama himself enjoyed the clip! In November of 2011, Mr. Alshaham established the Big Dream Initiative Children’s Choir. Currently the choir boasts over 400 members on its way to one thousand voices singing together for Palestine and for peace. In 2014, Mr. Alshaham was awarded the Children Of The Earth Prize for his work with youth in conflict zone. Most recently he has become more involved in civil society with a high level of interest in Palestinian politics and current affairs. His political-satirical poems and music videos are garnering hundreds of thousands of views and shares across social media. Mr. Alshaham’s warm personality and keen sense of humor shine through in everything he does, including his appearances as commentator on various television and news shows in the region.
Alaa was born in Jordan and moved to Gaza in 1996 following The Oslo Agreement. He left Gaza for the West bank in 2007 – where he currently resides.
Advisory Committee
Dr. Henrik Syse
Research Professor at Peace Research Institute Oslo, Member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee
Megan Alexander
Correspondent on Inside Edition, Author
Daoud Abudaib
Founder and President of The Faith And Culture Center
Rabbi Billy Dreskin
Woodlands Community Temple (New York)
Ellen Dreskin
Cantor, Educator, Liturgical Artist