Press Statement by: David Parsons, ICEJ Vice President & Senior Spokesman

New music video ‘Afikim BaNegev’ inspired by Psalm 126

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem on Wednesday (20/03) released a new song entitled ‘Afikim BaNegev’ which offers an inspiring prayer for the return of the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza drawn from Psalm 126.

The Christian Embassy has produced the new music video as a special contribution to the growing humanitarian cry to free the Israeli hostages. The Hebraic song ‘AfikimBa’Negev’ (Streams in the Negev) offers a powerful prayer for their return which was inspired by Psalm 126.

You may view the music video here!

Psalm 126 is a song of longing for the Jewish captives in Babylon to return home to the Land of Israel, comparing it to the return of “streams in the Negev” in the rainy season. When this happens, the Psalmist states “we were like those that dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.”

The song was composed and performed by ICEJ music director Vesna Bühler, a recording artist living in Israel for the past 30 years, who also has two sons currently serving in the IDF.

Israeli musical producers Shay Reuveni and Eli Keshet were involved in the song’s arrangements.

“As a mother myself, I was deeply moved by meeting with families of the hostages and seeing their anguish and tears, and yet their unbelievable faith and strength,” said Vesna Bühler. “I wanted to express their longing for their loved ones in song and no one captured that yearning better than Israel’s greatest psalmist. The original Hebrew in Psalm 126 is especially powerful and I wanted to bring these ancient words to life in a melody for all Israel.”

With the fate of over 130 Israelis held hostage in Gaza still uncertain, millions of people worldwide are joining Israelis in calling and praying for their safe return. Many will take part in the mass Shema Israel prayer gathering being planned for the Western Wall plaza this Thursday (21/03) by the hostages’ families.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact:

David Parsons
Vice President & Senior Spokesman
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem