Leonard Cohen's concert to aid peace process between Israel and Palestine

Jerusalem, July 28 (ANI): All the money generated from Canadian singer-songwriter's Leonard Cohen's September 24 concert at Ramat Gan Stadium will be forwarded to an organization working for the peace process between Israel and Palestine.

The Jerusalem Post quoted Cohen's manager Robert Kory, as saying that the 'Fund For Reconciliation, Tolerance and Peace' will provide financial support for organizations which continue to strive to achieve peace in the region through their efforts.

Both Cohen and AEG Live, his worldwide concert promoter, are also donating 100 percent of their earnings from the concert, the final date on Cohen's European tour, to the fund.

"As the tour has proven to be a tremendous success, the calls from Israel to play grew and we expressed willingness to do a show there. At the same time, we had a certain concern about the level of the ongoing conflict and suffering on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides," Kory said.

"Leonard had a very simple thought. He said 'I'd like to play, but I just can't take any money out. I want it to stay there.' It wasn't any more complicated than that," he added.

Cohen was familiar with the Parents Circle - Family Forum, an NGO representing Israeli and Palestinian parents who have lost children in the conflict and who have made the commitment to work together to build a consensus for peace.

Kory approached the organization's founder, Yitzhak Frankenthal, whose son Arik was murdered by terrorists near Ramallah in 1994.

"It was really special and unusual to find someone like Leonard who cares about what's going on here in the Middle East and tries to do something to help," said Frankenthal, who enthusiastically professed to be a longtime Cohen fan.

Cohen's peace initiative has many takers among local population.

"I think that this is a genuine effort to bring peace and reconciliation to both of the peoples, and it's something we really need. I wish there were more people like Leonard Cohen out there," said the Ramallah-based Jayyousi, who said he would attend the Ramat Gan show.

"I think this will have a role in bringing Israelis and Palestinians together, and it may have a high impact on the region." (ANI)