2. The Israeli metal band that shared an award with their Palestinian brothers
For many Israelis and Palestinians, there’s no common ground, but a pair of heavy metal bands have taken an unconventional approach to bridging the divide by touring the world together. Sharing a cramped tour bus, a stage and a touching message of optimism, Orphaned Land – an Israeli metal band – and Khalas their Palestinian counterpart, began their global tour in 2013.
Farhi, the lead singer of Orphaned Land said, “Abed and I share the same religion, even though I’m from a Jewish background and he is Muslim, and that’s music” he went on to say “We just get along… I literally feel like he’s my brother because even historically he was my brother. We are both descendants of Abraham.”
But when Orphaned Land won the prestigious Global Metal Award at this year’s Metal Hammer Golden Gods, the prog-metallers surprised everyone by announcing that they’d accept the award jointly with their Palestinian friends and recent tourmates, Khalas.
“I wish to thank Metal Hammer and all the readers that voted for Orphaned Land,” says frontman Kobi Farhi. “For the last 23 years with Orphaned Land I can proudly say that metal music has succeeded to teach politicians a lesson of how easy this might be if you only want it. Abed from Khalas is my brother, both historically and at present. I thought to share the award with him because this is what brothers do: they share. Music, food, home and awards. Peace.”
