Orthodox Jewish singer Ishay Ribo has become the first Israeli artist to headline a near-sell-out concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
Ribo, whose rock and folk music has attracted a diverse audience of religious and secular Israeli fans, played to around 15,000 people in New York on Sunday.
Thousands of fans expressed joy as the 34-year-old star performed. One fan, Ronn Torossian, said on Twitter: “I was there. It was a gorgeous event. Secular and religious. Israelis and Americans. Beautiful. Pretty damn packed and amazing.”
Pretty damn packed. And anazing. pic.twitter.com/nEXqd8gxwz
— Ronn Torossian (@RTorossian5wpr) September 4, 2023
Another fan, Jacob Cohen, who brought his seat just 30 minutes before the event, said: “I bought my ticket less than an hour before it was scheduled to start... It was a very large crowd, not sold out. But doesn't really matter cause it was a great show.”
A third fan, Neil Kleid said: “Amazing time seeing @IshayRibo tonight - first Israeli singer to sell out the Garden.
“15,000 Jews United together in harmony and community. So glad I got to experience this.”
Amazing time seeing @IshayRibo tonight - first Israeli singer to sell out the Garden. 15,000 Jews United together in harmony and community. So glad I got to experience this. pic.twitter.com/Oij1FecSFu
— Neil Kleid (@neilkleid) September 4, 2023
Pictures and videos from the concert also show thousands of delighted fans holding up their phone lights whilst Ribo performs.
Posting on Facebook when he first announced his performance in May, Ribo said: “I’ve been keeping this inside for a long time, and more than once I pinched myself to check if I was dreaming or if this is real. It seems that both answers are correct, thank God.”
The concert is part of Ribo’s fabled Elul tour where traditional tunes meet a modern twist in the rock and folk style the young singer has become famous for.
Also at the concert were guest appearances from popular Jewish singers Akiva and Amir Dadon.
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Israeli singer Ishay Ribo performing live at the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem in September 2022 (Photo: Flash90)
Ribo was born in the French city of Marseille to parents from Algeria and Morocco. He moved with his family to Kfar Adumim in the West Bank when he was eight.
He grew up in a Charedi family and was first exposed to secular music when it played over the speakers during bus rides to school.
Ribo released his first album in 2014, and four of his five albums have achieved gold certification, each selling more than 15,000 copies in the Israeli music market.
One of his songs, Sibat Hasibot, was the most played song on Israeli radio stations in 2021. and the star has also performed alongside popular musicians Shlomo Artzi and Idan Raichel.
The concert comes as Israeli Eurovision contestant and pop sensation Noa Kirel is set to become just the second Israeli in history to headline a show at Madison Square Garden next year.
A Chanukah concert at London’s O2 Arena featuring Ribo was cancelled in November 2021 due to rising Covid cases. The booking had drawn controversy after it was revealed that the £188 ticket cost was more than comparable seats for Elton John.
