The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/764868
G edenk's latest program, rightly titled "50 States of Tolerance," plans to visit 50 schools in 50 states during the 2016- 2017 academic year in order to reach a minimum of 150,000 students using live performances, multimedia, and interactive educational programs. "It's a lot of work, but also very fulfilling. So far, we've tested the performances with students and have gotten really positive feedback," Ben-Ari explained. Her latest song, titled "Freedom" and featuring the late Nelson Mandela, are also part of the 50 States program. "It's another example of how music can carry a message," Ben- Ari said. "Every time you listen to the speech, you're hearing this message from a legend, an icon of freedom and you realize just how timeless it is. It doesn't matter what time period you're listening to it in, it's always relevant." Ben-Ari went on to add that: "One of my favorite songs I've produced, though, is 'Symphony of Brotherhood' featuring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This song got me around the world, got me invited to the White House, and even got me an honor from former Israeli President Shimon Peres. It made history in a lot of areas, even becoming a key part of a Viacom ad. But for me, frankly, the most amazing honor is the response I've received from the young people. Having them tell me how they're touched, and playing along with the song, it means everything to me." More recently, Ben-Ari moved just up the street from Edgewater to Fort Lee. "Something like five minutes from my old house?" she added. "Fort Lee is really something else compared to Edgewater; from the unique demographic, all of the new developments springing up." She likes to refer to this whole area (including Hoboken) as "a little New York. We're so close to the city, and yet you don't have the traffic, the noise, and you can actually see the sky!" She stated that, however, she does still spend quite the time in Edgewater, whether she's relaxing at her favorite café, Kuppi Coffee, or having a twirl on the waterfront Hudson Dance Studio. "It's a really great area, and we truly couldn't be happier about the decision to move here."