Cher has been busy lately, supporting a charity she co-founded in March that seeks to provide underprivileged Arab-Israeli youth a unique and dynamic pathway to equal opportunity and full participation in the building of future civil society.
The singer established the Polyphony Foundation with Palestinian violinist Nabeel Abboud-Ashkar to create programs of education through music to help bridge the divide between Israel’s Arab and Jewish communities, facilitating cultural exchange, dialogue and partnership.
“When I listen to these young people, I know that they’re standing and a spirit is coming through them,” says Cher. “It’s pureness.”
The pair founded the charity because they were inspired by the achievements of the Orpheus Foundation-Nazareth and the Barenboim-Said Conservatories, both of which are led by Nabeel Abboud Ashkar.
“[Cher] loved hearing the kids, she thought this is a wonderful thing and she appreciated the talent and the commitment the kids have to playing music,” said Nabeel.
Find out more about the Polyphony Foundation here.
