Shaanan Streett
Israeli Musical Artist
A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?
Mr. Shaanan Streett is a deeply deserving nominee for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award for his extraordinary dedication to fostering unity and healing within Israeli society, especially in the aftermath of the traumatic events of October 7 and the ongoing conflict. His commitment to social justice and tireless efforts to bridge divides within a fractured and hurting nation make him a powerful embodiment of the values at the heart of the global Jewish community. Through his leadership and vision, Mr. Streett has demonstrated that music can be a transformative force for comfort, resilience, and the creation of a shared future, even in the face of immense challenges. His actions speak louder than words.
As the founder and driving force behind the renowned Israeli hip-hop band Hadag Nahash, Mr. Streett has been at the forefront of using music as a tool for social change for nearly three decades. Established in Jerusalem in 1996, Hadag Nahash has consistently navigated the delicate balance between mainstream popularity and vocal social activism. The band's music, infused with messages of love, tolerance, and equality, has become the soundtrack for Israeli protests against racism, violence, and corruption. Through their powerful lyrics and compelling performances, Hadag Nahash has consistently challenged social injustices in Israel, becoming a beacon of hope and a voice for the marginalized.
Mr. Streett's commitment to social change extends beyond his work with Hadag Nahash. His deep-seated belief in the power of music to heal and unite led him to establish the 100 Dagim initiative, a program designed to expand and deepen the band's community-oriented activities. This initiative represents a significant step forward in Mr. Streett's mission to harness the arts as a means of bridging divides and promoting a pluralistic, unified Israeli society. By facilitating volunteer performances, artistic collaborations, and launching projects that address the pressing needs arising from the ongoing conflict and societal divisions, 100 Dagim amplifies Hadag Nahash's activism and broadens its impact across diverse communities.
One of the most notable efforts under the 100 Dagim initiative is the Master Class project, which was launched in response to the heightened need for supportive communal frameworks in war-impacted regions of Israel. Targeting residents of Sderot, Gaza Envelope communities, evacuees from the north and south, and families affected by the security situation, the Master Class initiative creates a unique space where creativity and therapy intersect. This project offers participants a social activity that not only provides comfort in times of distress but also aids in the healing process and fosters coexistence despite the challenging circumstances.
The Master Class project is designed to be more than just a temporary escape from the harsh realities of life in conflict zones. It invites community members who write, play instruments, or just enjoy music and singing, to participate in workshop sessions that encourage them to contribute something of themselves to enrich the collective experience. Each group is accompanied by a professional musician who serves as an instructor. Over the course of 13 sessions, participants work on developing creative pieces that tell their personal stories or the stories of their communities. These sessions culminate in group discussions, where participants are encouraged to express their emotions, share their concerns, and explore ways to overcome them, through meaningful dialog. This process not only supports individual and group recovery but also strengthens the bonds within and between communities.
Ultimately, the Master Class project aspires to bring these diverse groups together for a combined performance, offering Israeli society a glimpse into the journeys of these communities. This public expression of their experiences and emotions serves as a powerful tool for fostering understanding, empathy, and unity across different segments of society.
In all these efforts and more, Shaanan Streett has shown a remarkable ability to use music and the arts as a bridge between divided communities, promoting a shared identity that focuses on commonalities rather than differences, to foster a connected society. Through his leadership, creativity, and dedication to social justice, Mr. Streett has made an indelible impact on Israeli society and serves as an inspiring example of the power of the arts to effect meaningful change. His nomination for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award is a testament to his continuous endeavors and his profound belief in the possibility of a better, more unified future for all.
B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?
Mr. Shaanan Streett has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to bridging divides through his ongoing cultural and social activism leading up to and encompassing the 100 Dagim initiative. Building on the legacy of his band, Mr. Streett has expanded their mission to ensure that the healing power of music reaches those most in need, particularly in communities affected by conflict. His vision is rooted in creating a more equitable and inclusive society by engaging with people on the emotional, creative and intellectual levels to address overall issues of injustice, inequality, and democracy.
Since October 7, Mr. Streett and his band have tirelessly volunteered, performing for evacuees from the Gaza Envelope and northern Israel, for soldiers, the wounded, and bereaved families across Israel. They have met with families of hostages and visited the homes of those affected by the war in Israel’s diverse communities. Under his leadership, 100 Dagim emphasizes music as a tool for healing and unity, offering hope to communities in their shared life and promoting mutual support in healing.
Mr. Streett’s vision also extends beyond Israel, seeking to strengthen ties and foster strong connections within and among Jewish communities and audiences worldwide through artistic projects that highlight Jewish content. Central to the overarching 100 Dagim initiative is the belief in an inclusive Judaism, with projects such as a new concert based on original arrangements of canonical texts from Tehilim (the Book of Psalms), making Jewish culture more accessible to broader audiences.
Shaanan Streett continues to develop projects that instill hope and remind us of the power of art and community, firmly believing that together, we can overcome adversity and build a shared future of peace, unity, and understanding.
C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?
We are nominating Shaanan Streett individually, as per the guidelines for application; however, Mr. Streett wishes to note that should this grant be received, it will be dedicated to the 100 Dagim initiative and its work in supporting the communities affected by the events of October 7 and the ongoing conflict.
Beyond the work of the initiative that we elaborated on above, Mr. Streett and Hadag Nahash have been, and still are engaged in many projects and activities that help strengthen the bond between Jewish communities within and outside of Israel. Through their art, Hadag Nahash and Shaanan Streett present an Israeli Judaism that is different than the predominant world view often seen in headlines and mainstream narratives. Some of their songs, most notably “The Sticker Song”, have become part of the curriculum in Jewish schools, both in Israel and the diaspora, and even in Middle Eastern studies courses in universities, as an example of a different kind of Israeli-ness.
Beyond the Tehilim project mentioned above, Hadag Nahash and Shaanan Streett have composed songs based on the works of prominent Jewish and Israeli writers, from Haim Nachman Bialik to David Grossman, and more.
Beyond its artistic value, this interaction with the canonical writings of Israeli society is meant to create a bridge between the Jewish people’s rich history and its contemporary culture and, through music, make these significant works more accessible to contemporary audiences both in Israel and the diaspora.
We believe that the 100 Dagim initiative, especially at this crucial point for Israeli and Jewish society, is of the highest importance and significance. We have sent separately additional supporting materials, including a brief on the initiative and its goals, as well as images and videos from the many volunteer shows performed by Hadag Nahash over the past year, as part of the initiative.