Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Concert in Seoul sends message of hope for hostages in Israel-Hamas conflict
A cellist rehearses at Seoul National University's Art Hall, Wednesday, before the “Concert of the Missing,” a performance dedicated to expressing hope for the safe return of hostages caught in the crossfire of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
In a heartwarming event held on Wednesday morning in Seoul, Seoul National University's (SNU) Art Hall resonated with the harmonious melodies of piano and violin. The performance was dedicated to expressing hope for the safe return of hostages caught in the crossfire of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The event, titled “Concert of the Missing,” was organized by the Israeli Embassy in Korea, in an effort to shed light on the plight of those who have been held captive. As a poignant symbol of their absence, the empty seats were adorned with images of hostages taken by Hamas, accompanied by a powerful message: "Bring them home now."
"When you enter this auditorium, the place looks empty. It’s not empty. There are 240 souls represented in the seats and in our hearts — mostly Israelis, innocent civilians, men and women, children, elderly, Holocaust victims," U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg said.
Hamas made international headlines when its members took over 240 people hostage during a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7. This musical endeavor in Seoul hopes for their safe return.
"I don’t know how to adequately express the grief, anger, resignation and resoluteness that Israel is feeling right now. The insane number of dead, the killing of infants and children, the manner of the slaughter, the rape and barbarity, and now the captives – we know it, we react to it, but we can barely run the image through our minds," Israeli Ambassador to Korea Akiva Tor said.
"We can’t see them. They are hidden from us. They are somewhere in the tunnels beneath Gaza City and its environs. So we will welcome them here today in this hall of music. We will sit with them, and look at their faces. We will not forget them."
Photographs of the hostages who have been kidnapped during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict are featured prominently during a concert at Seoul National University's Art Hall, Wednesday. Yonhap
The concert program featured a selection of evocative compositions, including “Prayer” by Swiss Jewish composer Ernest Bloch and “Five Pieces for Piano” by the renowned Israeli composer Paul Ben-Haim. The Israeli national anthem also echoed through the concert hall. Aviram Reichert, an SNU music professor from Israel, graced the stage with his piano performance, while SNU music students added their talents by playing the violin, viola, cello and other instruments.