S3 E19. “Five For Fighting” Goes All Out For Hamas Hostages

Immediately following the horrors of October 7, John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter who fronts the band “Five for Fighting”, stepped up for Hamas hostages and, as he says, for moral clarity. His band is best known for his post-9/11 super-hit “Superman”, a beautiful tribute to those who perished on that terrible day in America. When Ondrasik heard that the mother of 24-year-old musician Alon Ohel (held hostage to this day by Hamas) was looking for someone with whom to collaborate musically, he answered the call. He always does. Ondrasik recently worked with Idit Ohel and her son, Ronen—also a musician—to produce a special version of Superman in honor of Alon. had to The trio produced a beautiful rendering of the song—with clips of John playing in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, as well as his studio in LA. Idit and Ronen play on a yellow piano they installed in Hostage Square for anyone who wishes to make music. Do something. Remember that Alon Ohel is shackled and starved and seriously injured and tortured in a dark, filthy tunnel deep underground. Ondrasik discusses his first trip to Israel one year ago—when he performed at Hostage Square on the night of the Iranian missile attack. Saturday April 13, 2024. We talk about his commitment to the hostages and so many other righteous causes. And, of course, we get into his deep disappointment with the silence, at best, of much of his industry. Yes - Coachella and “Kneecap” do come up.

It’s a fascinating discussion, and the episode ends with the full version of the new and revised “Superman.” Alon Ohel. He really is a Superman who must be freed. If you can watch on YouTube, you’ll see some great clips that are relevant to various big moments since October 7, but the sound will do for those of you who prefer the straight audio version. Oh, and do check out the podcast episode we published yesterday of my interview with Alon’s mom, Idit Ohel.

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