Jewish musician representing Israel globally: "Iranians sent me messages of support during the war"

Sometimes a single message on the web can cross borders that entire nations struggle to pass. Itay Ben David, an Israeli musician who has lived in Los Angeles for 16 years, shares that during the war, he received messages from people living in Iran. Many wrote to him, admitting that his music changed their perspective on Israelis and Jews.

"People in Tehran send me messages like, 'You changed my thinking,'" he says. For him, these moments illustrate why he continues to use music as a tool for human connection.

Ben David, originally from Jerusalem, notes that music has always been part of his life, but over the years it has taken on a broader meaning. He calls his main project "Peace through Music," aiming to connect audiences that rarely meet.

"I use the talent the Almighty blessed me with to influence, unite, and build bridges," he says.

Singing in their language, breaking barriers

Social media has become Ben David's primary arena. A few years ago, he began creating versions of songs in various languages, quickly receiving responses from all over the world.

One of his major breakthroughs came when he published a cover of a song associated with protests in Israel. The video garnered nearly 20 million views in four days, bringing him many followers from Iran. He developed a simple format: he sings to people in their native language and observes their reactions. Often, the surprise comes when they realize who is standing before them.

He emphasizes that this is the power of music: identity ceases to be a wall and becomes the start of a conversation.

"Judaism excites me more than being Israeli"

Alongside his international music career, Ben David speaks about his Jewish identity. "Judaism excites me more than being Israeli," he admits, explaining that his connection to Judaism is deeper and more permanent.

This path led him into the world of cantorial music. Over time, he began serving as a cantor on Saturdays and teaching children in the synagogue to read the Torah. "Teaching children is a very great privilege," he says.

This work is part of his mission: not just to chase views, but to reach those who hold negative views toward Israel.

"We are in 2026, and opinions are formed on the internet," he says. "The goal is to reach those people who have anti-Israel sentiment and show them that we are good and pleasant people."

Instead of waiting for change from the outside, Ben David prefers to take action: "I take responsibility and grow the light within me, so that slowly, we can grow the light between us and the world."

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