Ishay Ribo brings St John’s Wood to its feet as Aliyah Day fair hits record turnout

Israeli music icon Ishay Ribo wowed more than 1,250 British Jews at St John’s Wood United Synagogue, as he headlined Sunday’s Aliyah Day fair.

Led by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the World Zionist Organization, together with the Jewish Agency and many partner organisations, the event gathered experts in everything from Israeli taxation and employment to higher education and dealing with local authorities for those considering the move.

While the Aliyah Day fair was free, the concert was sold out, and there was barely a spare seat in the shul. It included an address by Ofir Sofer, the Israeli Minister of Aliyah and Integration, while Ribo described his own Aliyah story, having moved from Marseille, France, aged just nine.

Ribo, who has released five studio albums, one of which went platinum and two certified gold, gave an electric performance to the packed audience, playing most of his hits.

During the concert, hundreds of young British Jews sang along and waved Israeli flags, while smaller children danced in front of the stage. Ribo ended the show draped in an Israeli flag, singing Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah.

An additional Aliyah Day was also held in Manchester the following day, also featuring a concert by Ribo – which again, was completely sold out.