Belly dancing, Umm Kulthum's songs and a concerted effort to make merry rather than making war, this is the artistic program in store for those visiting the Russo Club in Rishon Lezion Wednesday evening.
The vision of advancing peace through swaying hips and Arab music comes from belly dancer Asi Heskel who also brought Jasmine Lovnan on board. Lovnan is an Arab singer of Lebanese origin who came to live in Israel several years ago and who gives rare renditions of Umm Kulthum's music.
There is a growing trend for Arab music worldwide, says Heskel.
"So why not take advantage of it to bring Jews and Arabs together in a closed club in order to dance, sing and rid themselves of the hatred as they board the bridges of love. Perhaps this way we'll solve the mess," he says.
Heskel added that he is usually invited to appear in front of Arab audiences, but this time he decided to try and bring the hearts of the two peoples together through belly dancing.
The belly dancing outfits are also personally made by the belly dancing visionary, and he is volunteering the entire evening, in the hope of better days.
The singing will be rendered by Jasmin Lovnan, who will sing Umm Kulthum's most popular songs, as well as contemporary songs from the Saudi Arabian and Dubai pop charts.
In short, the evening will entail an hour and half of wild belly dancing accompanied by massive drum beats and nargileh games.
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