Andy Drozdziak
Fresh from their recent collaboration with Snoop Dogg, Ooberfuse believes they will bring some light into the darkness of the ‘rubble and ruins’ of Bethlehem at Christmas through a new song-and Pope Francis agrees with them.
As the Israel/Hamas conflict continues to rage, the Bethlehem Municipality has chosen to cancel Christmas celebrations due to the ongoing war. However, London-based Catholic band Ooberfuse has collaborated with Youstina Safar, a resident of Bethlehem and a student at Bethlehem University, to deliver ‘a powerful message’ through their Christmas song, “Hear Angels Cry.”
Pope Francis has not only heard about the song, but has sent a message to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, commending it for drawing attention to ‘the sublime significance of the city where Jesus Christ was born.’
Communicated by the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis’ message holds up the Holy Land as the place that was home to Jesus, and called to be a place of encounter, dialogue and hope for all. The Pope shared his hopes that the song “will inspire many people this Christmas to pray for a new flourishing of fraternal solidarity, reconciliation and peace in the Holy Land.”
Ooberfuse are a songwriting duo composed of Hal St John and Cherrie Anderson. Singer Cherrie said: “As we embarked on this music project in June, we never anticipated the cancellation of Christmas displays in Bethlehem. The dimming lights in Manger Square honour those who tragically lost their lives in the Holy Land. ‘Hear Angels Cry’ embodies Jesus’ message of love, prevailing even in the face of hopelessness. All proceeds from the song will directly benefit those suffering in Gaza, particularly the children reconstructing the fragments of their lives.”
Youstina Safar shared his hopes for the song. “In the midst of despair, our song ‘Hear Angels Cry’ stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of hope in Bethlehem. While the traditional Christmas displays may dim this year in remembrance of lives lost in Gaza, our voices unite to affirm that hope will never succumb to darkness,” he said.
Bethlehem music producer John Handal, the owner of RJ Music company, has helped bring the collaboration to life. John Handal said: “’Hear Angels Cry’ is a testament to the enduring power of music to convey messages of peace and resilience. Through our collaboration, we aim to shine a light on the indomitable spirit of Bethlehem and support those affected by the conflicts in the Holy Land.”
Proceeds from the song will go to Friends of the Holy Land, a UK charity which is also registered in Palestine. Describing “Hear Angels Cry” as ‘a heartfelt plea for unity, compassion, and the enduring power of hope’, Friends of the Holy Land told the Universe: “Bethlehem will be a sombre and sober place this Christmas with no festivities or celebrations due to the thousands killed in the current war. Amidst the fear and despair comes a cry of hope “Hear Angels Cry”.
“Help us share this song as widely as possible, as all download proceeds will come to help our mission and bring relief to those suffering in Gaza and the West Bank this Christmas.”
Through its office in Bethlehem, Friends of the Holy Land is well-placed to get urgent, personalised aid to the families most in need in Gaza and the West Bank.
“The message of Christ has been a light, both spiritually and practically through the work of so many Christian institutions, in the region for thousands of years. We can’t let that light go out in our generation,” the charity said.
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