The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus is composed of Palestinian and Israeli teens from the eastern and westerns parts of the city. The organization stands out for being one of the only groups bringing young Muslims, Christians, and Jews together (in the Holy Land) to create harmony.

Since being founded in 2012 by Yale grad (and former Whiffenpoof) Micah Hendler, the youth chorus has been featured in the New York Times, performed on the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert," and collaborated with the Yale Whiffenpoofs many times.

Jerusalem Youth Chorus with the Yale Whiffenpoofs

Eva, a 14-year-old from East Jerusalem, recently told i24News, "I like to connect with others, no matter who they are, no matter what religion they are. I want Israelis to see that we are good."

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Sasha, a Jewish member of the choir said, "Before the choir I had only two or three opportunities to speak with Arabs. After hearing what they had to say about so many different subjects, I did learn a lot from them. I was sure that I understood already but I didn't really.

"It's not as hard as people assume," she added. "We get together, we sing and we love each other."

Part of their repertoire includes the Sufi song "Adinu," which in Arabic means "I believe in the religion of love."

YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus & Yale Glee Club perform "Adinu"

Chorus member Dalia says that the group maintains a "space where she can meet with Israelis," which she thinks would not exist otherwise.

"It was really nice to have contact with the Israelis because normally I wouldn't have contact with them a lot," Dalia said. "They are nice people and I have a lot of friends now that are Israeli."

The chorus' message is best illustrated in its collaboration with YouTube star Sam Tsui.

"Home" opb Phillip Phillips

"It's not like we're having a hard time," another chorus member said. "Why can't grown-ups do it?"

More about the YMCA Jersusalem Youth Chorus

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