Bombed Jersalem civilian bus was brought for the display at the Peace Rally in Berkeley and in San Francisco, CA, USA
On January 17, 2005 Ms. Gutman offered live performance of her original composition “Yearning for Peace” (solo piano version), the Rhapsody on Jewish and Arabic traditional themes, as well as copies of the CD’s with its recording at the multi-cultural Peace Rally that displayed the civilian bus from Jerusalem that was bombed by the heartless terrorists. Ms. Gutman was very proud of being able to contribute to the process of raising awareness about strongly denouncing any acts of deliberate violence against the civilian population. It was very satisfying for her to be able to revive the Peace–making tradition of her renowned ancestor Baal Shem Tov, revered peace ambassador, mystic, healer, Kabbalah master, and one of the founders of Hassidism.
Despite the most unfortunate cancellation (several hours! prior to the performance) by Mr. Jim Callahan, the owner of Piedmont Piano Co., who acted in fear of anonymous threats from pro-Palestinian group although refused to even make an apology, Ms. Gutman was able to make urgent arrangements for the performance to take place anyway. Mr. Paolo Fazioli, Ms. Gutman’s music admirer and supporter, who came to San Francisco from Italy on that day, was quite frustrated not to be able to hear Ms. Gutman’s composition, performed on his concert Grand piano on that day. He expressed personal regrets and sincere hopes to hear the piece soon nevertheless.
She and her audience were warmly welcomed at Sherman Clay Piano Store, located at 647 Mission Str. in San Francisco, http://www.shermanclay.com/storehistory.htm (Mr. Eric Schwartz, Bay Area District Manager), by very kind and supportive team of staff - Ms. Michele Hsu, Ms. Audrey McKeague, Ms. Jill Christie, Mr. Anthony R. Thomas, who re-arranged their schedule at a very short notice to help this event take place nevertheless.
In addition, Ms. Gutman was able to arrange for the professional video recording and found a very brave videographer Mr. Dan Schmeltzer (upon request of Ms. Sanne DeWitt to change previously selected documentary maker). Mr. Dan Schmeltzer was not afraid to follow many of Ms. Gutman’s very risky moves, including accompanying her during the violent attack of pro-Palestinian group that tried to disrupt the Peace Rally. It is rewarding to know that Sanne DeWitt had used this rare footage in her 2nd version of the film about this event that she intended to contribute to the Holocaust Museum.
