This sheer extent of the event was overwhelming. A total of 69 artists, supporters and hosts took the stage at the renowned venue.
There were music icons: Bastille, and a festival’s worth of others. From entertainment, names like Florence Pugh, joined by many others appeared on the stage.
To one, the combination of solidarity and performance seemed reminiscent of past gatherings from eras before.
In other respects, the concert felt distinctly contemporary. Gone were conventional fundraising tactics – merchandise offerings and web-based giving played a vital function.
The gathering stood as not an instance in outsider intervention. Its artistic leadership was led by Palestinian representatives, including Nai Barghouti, who shared genuine expressions to the evening.
Prior to the program began, crowds filed in – a few dissenters holding flags tried to make their presence known, but security kept calm.
During the venue, the atmosphere was far from confrontational. The nearest moment of disagreement came when a host spoke to atrocities and was challenged.
Several performers seemed to show discretion. One actor read a writing but left out a line referencing the victims.
Another participant went off-topic, abandoning his scripted address to focus on unity and joy.
Local speakers left a powerful impact. Yara Eid highlighted fiercely about journalists killed in the conflict, drawing applause.
After many hours, a number of attendees were leaving, ignoring the last performances. But, countless departed displaying T-shirts and expressing support.
By the end, organisers revealed that over a significant sum had been donated. Objective completed.
