Hillel Concert Series “Yallapalooza 2024” Wraps Up after 3-City Tour Celebrating Jewish Joy
Grammy-nominated singer Matisyahu, 2018 Eurovision winner Netta, 2023 Eurovision finalist Noa Kirel, and Nova Music Festival artists performed for thousands of Jewish college students
Last night, the Yallapalooza 2024 concert series, powered by Hillel International, made its final stop at the Fillmore in Philadelphia after a week of bringing together thousands of Jewish college students across three cities to celebrate Jewish joy after an incredibly difficult year for Jewish students on college campuses. The concerts featured performances by Grammy-nominated musician Matisyahu, 2023 Eurovision finalist Noa Kirel, 2018 Eurovision winner Netta, and DJ Sasi and Yonatan Cohen, who both performed at the Nova Music Festival and survived the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Before Philadelphia, Yallapalooza took place at the Beacon Theater in New York on Nov. 3 and Emerson Colonial in Boston on November 7.
Since October 7, 2023, Jewish college students have faced an alarming surge of antisemitism on college campuses across North America. These experiences have impacted what should be the most exciting, freeing, and transformative years of their lives.
Despite these challenges, Jewish college students have shown extraordinary courage and have come together to embrace Jewish joy, from celebrating the High Holidays to participating in Hillel programs, events, and welcome week activities in record-breaking numbers. Yallapalooza 2024 celebrated that spirit and offered thousands of Jewish students a new opportunity to join together in a much-needed space for collective joy with some of the top Jewish musical acts in the world.
“Yallapalooza was very special. To see so many Jewish students feeling joy through music was incredible,” said Matisyahu. “Their energy was palpable and it was so powerful to be a part of this concert series with so many students in New York, Boston and Philadelphia over the past week.”
“I am so thrilled to have been able to come to the U.S. and perform for students who deserve this opportunity to celebrate with their community,” said Noa Kirel. “The atmosphere was incredible and I loved being part of such a fun and joyful moment with thousands of Jewish students.”
“I was honored to participate in three amazing nights of celebration for Jewish students and showcase my music and represent the Tribe of Nova after such a difficult year,” said DJ Sasi, co-producer and a performer at the Nova Music Festival on 10/7. “Jews and Israelis across the world have faced many challenges since 10/7, yet we will continue to stand proudly together and showcase our story for all to see.
“Following October 7, the Jewish college experience was completely upended by the rise in antisemitism on campus,” said Natalie Ryba, a senior at Hunter College and member of Hillel International’s Student Cabinet. “Events like Hillel’s Yallapalooza concert give us the opportunity to experience Jewish music and joy with thousands of other college students, and for us it means the world to be able to celebrate being proudly Jewish together.”
For over 100 years, Hillel has been a welcoming and supportive space for millions of Jewish college students of all backgrounds, denominations, and beliefs. Hillel, the world’s largest Jewish college organization, remains committed to being a trusted place for students seeking community, belonging, and support. With this concert series Hillel continues to be there for Jewish students, enabling them to come together, dance, sing and enjoy an evening together after an extraordinarily difficult past year.
“Amid another year marked by continuing challenges on campus, we were thrilled to take our commitment to Jewish college students on the road and bring thousands of students together for three nights of music, celebration, and joy with some of the world’s top Jewish musicians,” said Hillel President and CEO Adam Lehman. “Whether it’s on or off campus, giving our students the opportunity to experience these indelible moments of Jewish joy is at the heart of Hillel’s mission.”
The concerts were entirely free of charge for Jewish students and recent college graduates. Students joined from hundreds of universities and colleges, with more than 5,000 students and recent grads registering for tickets.