An-Najah National University organized and hosted a special musical concert for the American folk singer David Rovics on the eve of September 13, 2005. More than 300 people from An-Najah University students and faculty and members of the local community attended the concert and listened to a touching performance by Mr. Rovics who sang passionately and enthusiastically in support of the Palestinian quest for peace and justice. The New York born singer performed songs with distinctive titles and expressive lyrics of his own writing covering the different aspects of the Palestinian suffering and struggle against the Israeli military occupation. Songs entitled Palestine, They're Building a Wall, Song the Songbird Sings, and The Death of Rachel Corrie left many in the audience with tearful eyes and Goosebumps. Mr. Rovics also condemned the policies of the current US administration both through his commentary and by singing songs such as Operation Iraqi Liberation (O.I.L) and St. Patrick Battalion. Using his satirical style, he also mocked some right-wing trends within American society with the songs Hummer and Who Would Jesus Bomb?
Mr. Rovics has long been a supporter of Palestinians. Two of his musical albums have Palestinian cover images and titles: “Al-Awda” or “Return” and “Songs of Mahmoud” in memory of the10-year old Palestinian child Mahmoud al-Qayyed who was killed by Israeli occupation forces for the “crime” of catching songbirds in the Gaza Strip…! The Key was another touching song that tells the story of an elderly Palestinian woman who has kept the keys to her house in Jaffa around her neck since 1948. The Key demonstrates Mr. Rovics' deep understanding of the pain and plight of the Palestinian people. His moving performance of Jenin left many in the audience speechless and he received a standing ovation at the end of the concert. His sympathy and understanding of the goals of the Palestinian people serves as a reminder that many in the United States support the Palestinian cause despite the policies of the government.
At the end of the concert Professor Rami Hamdallah, President of An-Najah National University, granted Mr. Rovics the emblem of An-Najah National University in appreciation of his artistic endeavors in support of the Palestinian people.The concert at An-Najah was part of a four-stop concert tour of Palestine organized by Haithem Al-Zabri which will also include a performance at Bir Zeit University on September 15. When told that he should learn some traditional Palestinian songs and sing some in Arabic, he said that he hopes to do just that when he returns next year.
To download his songs for free, read lyrics, or learn more about Mr. Rovics, you can visit his website at www.davidrovics.com.