A solidarity concert in Vienna marked the Shalva band’s return to European stages and announced plans for the Sharabi Family Center–Shalva, a new trauma and post-trauma rehabilitation facility in Ashkelon. The center—born from a government appeal—aims to serve tens of thousands in southern Israel coping with PTSD. A recorded message from Eli Sharabi, who lost his wife and daughters on October 7, dedicated the center to their memory. Diplomats, religious leaders and community figures attended, and the evening concluded with a stirring musical program and a communal singing of "Hatikva."
Shalva Band Returns to Europe as Vienna Gala Launches 'Sharabi Family Center–Shalva' for Trauma Care
Israel and the Shalva organization, Vienna. (photo credit: COURTESY JOSH ARONSON)
A moving solidarity concert took place in Vienna on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, as dozens of Israel supporters, community leaders and diplomats gathered to welcome back the Shalva band to European stages and to announce a major new rehabilitation initiative for southern Israel.
Event Highlights
The Shalva band performed in Vienna for the first time since the wartime hiatus following the Swords of Iron conflict, delivering emotionally charged renditions of signature songs that moved the audience from tears to dancing.
Organizers used the occasion to unveil plans for a dedicated trauma and post-trauma treatment center in Ashkelon. Launched in response to a government appeal, the facility will serve tens of thousands of residents in southern Israel coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related needs. The new facility at Ashkelon Marina will be named the "Sharabi Family Center–Shalva" in honor of the family of Eli Sharabi.
Personal Resonance and Recorded Message
A recorded message from Eli Sharabi was played during the evening. Sharabi, who lost his wife Liane and daughters Noya and Yahel in the massacre at Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7, said the center would continue their spirit of giving: "They were my whole world. This center is the way to take their love and kindness and turn them into a response for families in the south who are dealing with trauma and pain." The program also referenced that a family member had been released after 491 days in captivity.
Members of the Shalva band perform their greatest hits - ''A Million Dreams,'' ''Stand by Me,'' and ''Hallelujah.'' in Vienna. (credit: COURTESY JOSH ARONSON)
Leadership, Diplomats and Community Figures
The evening was hosted by Marie-Louise Weissenbock, head of the Austrian group Christians On The Side Of Israel. Notable attendees included Israel's Deputy Ambassador to Austria, Ilay Levi-Yudkovsky; Vienna's Chief Rabbi, Yaron Engelmayer; Dr. Charlotte Hermann, President of the Jewish Community in Linz; and Shalva founder Kalman Samuels, who celebrated his birthday at the event.
Deputy Ambassador Levi-Yudkovsky praised the initiative and thanked the host organization for its solidarity, noting the importance of such partnerships in the face of threats and rising anti-Semitism. Rabbi Engelmayer highlighted the evening’s spiritual dimension ahead of Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing social responsibility and inclusion.
Music, Recovery and Community
The concert featured Shalva band soloists Dina Samta and Eden Tehrani, and included stirring collaborations—most notably Vienna’s chief cantor Shmuel Barzilai, who joined the band for a moving rendition of "Adon Olam." The band also dedicated "Jerusalem of Gold" to Holocaust survivors in attendance, presenting them with flowers.
Band director Shai Ben-Shoshan spoke candidly about his own rehabilitation after being seriously injured in combat and about how band members supported one another through difficult recoveries. Kalman Samuels also thanked David Fomberg for revitalizing the band and managing its return to active performance.
The evening closed with a communal performance of Israel's national anthem, "Hatikva," uniting guests, dignitaries and performers in a message of hope for peace, healing and security. Yohanan Samuels, Shalva’s CEO, called the night "unforgettable," praised the atmosphere of warmth and support, and expressed anticipation for the opening of the Sharabi Family Center in Ashkelon.
Help us improve.
