Benefit Concerts Featuring Israeli Idol Hagit Yaso

The San Diego Chapter of the Jewish National Fund is proud to bring Hagit Yaso, the “Israeli Idol,” to San Diego for a one-night only concert performance on Monday, January 7, at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Jewish Community Center in La Jolla.

Hagit Yaso, age 23, was born in Israel to Ethiopian parents who immigrated to Israel through Sudan, and has four siblings. She currently lives in Sderot, along the border with Gaza.

In the past, she participated in local and national singing contests, frequently winning. She was a member of the “Sderot Youth” singing group, and served in a military band in the Israel Defense Forces.

Then Yaso’s life changed when she entered herself in Israel’s version of “American Idol,” which is called “Kokhav Nolad 9” meaning “A Star is Born.” She sang in several languages: English, Moroccan, and Amharic. Throughout the show, she won “Best Performance” several times. Yaso reached the finals and was named the winner.

Following her accomplishment, Yaso and her family were invited to meet Israel’s President Shimon Peres. They told Peres about their immigration to Israel. Hagit Yaso is a national example of success among the immigrant Ethiopian community, or “olim.”

Since winning, Yaso sang the theme song for the Israeli film “My Beautiful Sister,” “From the Day you Left.” She performed this song in Moroccan as part of “Israeli Idol.”

Hagit Yaso’s debut album is expected early in 2013. She is working with singer/producer Ivri Lider. In the meantime, Yaso has been on tour with fellow Idol show-veterans David Lavi and Liron Ramati, performing a variety of songs from the show.

Now Hagit Yaso brings her beautiful voice and style to San Diego in a benefit for the Jewish National Fund. Tickets are $100 for adults, and $25 for 21 and under. The ticket price is fully tax deductible. To get tickets, visit www.jnf.org/sdconcert For more information, call 858-824-9178.