Sharona Durry’s PhillyIsrael Productions has long specialized in bringing Israeli-themed events to the Philly area. But over the next month, Durry, the Israeli who moved to the United States when she was 22, will really outdo herself.
Durry’s company is planning three Israeli-themed events between April 22, Yom Ha’atzmaut, and May 17. The first two events, on April 22 and May 12, are concerts featuring Israeli musicians at City Winery in the Fashion District. The last event is a Hebrew-language comedy show starring Israeli comedian Rotem Abuhab at Congregation Mikveh Israel in Old City.
Durry is promoting all three shows with the same pitch.
Israel is in the midst of unsettled ceasefires in two different wars, Gaza and Iran; it continues to battle Hezbollah in Lebanon near its northern border; antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment are rising at home and abroad; online antisemitism is ubiquitous; violent antisemitic attacks have made news about once a quarter since the April 2025 arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion; synagogues all over the Philly area and around the country have locks on their doors and security guards at the entrances.
These events are a chance to forget all that.
“We need to have some kind of connection in a way that you will relax with all the chaos and thoughts we’re having,” Durry said.
3Celebrating Israel at 78: Eran Tzur Live in Philadelphia
City Winery, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
In a press email, Durry describes Tzur as “one of Israel’s most respected and influential singer-songwriters.”
Tzur established his reputation in the Israeli rock scene before transitioning to a solo career in the mid-1990s. Recognized for his baritone range and evocative lyrics, his work frequently delves into the complexities of Jewish and Israeli identity. Beyond his discography of six solo albums, Tzur is a decorated man of letters, having earned two awards for Hebrew poetry and the prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize for Hebrew Literary Works.
“This special Yom HaAtzmaut event is more than a concert — it is a celebration of culture, identity, and community,” Durry wrote.
2David Broza Live in Philadelphia
City Winery, May 12, 7:30 p.m.
Known for his “guitar mastery” and “magnetic stage presence,” Broza sings in Hebrew, Spanish and English, and his music combines flamenco, American folk, rock and jazz traditions, according to Durry’s press email about the event.
The Israeli has released more than 40 albums. Durry describes him as “one of Israel’s most celebrated and influential artists.” His 1983 quintuple-platinum album Ha’isha She’iti (The Woman by My Side) is the biggest-selling album in Israel’s history; his 1977 debut single, Yihye Tov (Things Will Be Better) has become an Israeli peace anthem; and in 2019, he received the President’s Prize for Volunteerism for working to build harmony between Israeli and Arab youth.
“His performances are not just concerts — they are emotional journeys, filled with passion, storytelling, and connection,” she wrote. “Rooted in themes of peace, hope, and social justice, Broza’s music continues to resonate deeply with audiences around the world. His iconic anthem “Yihye Tov” (“Things Will Be Better”) remains as powerful and relevant today as ever.”
1Stand-Up Comedy Night in Hebrew With Rotem Abuhab — Live in Philadelphia
Congregation Mikveh Israel, May 17, 8:30 p.m.
Only Hebrew speakers will be able to appreciate this show, as English subtitles will not be available to attendees. Durry said there are more than enough Hebrew speakers in the area to fill the event space at Philadelphia’s oldest synagogue.
Abuhab began her career as a child actor on the Israeli version of “Sesame Street,” rose to prominence in the 1990s on the Israeli sketch comedy show “Domino” and has starred since 2011 on the hit sitcom “Sabri Maranan.” In 2006, she won an Ophir Award, or an Israeli Oscar, for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Aviva, My Love.”
During COVID, she performed for quarantined people in hotels and first responders in ambulances. She also “did a lot after Oct. 7 to entertain families,” Durry said. Since then, she has “performed for thousands of soldiers, reservists, and volunteers across Israel, bringing moments of laughter and light during challenging times,” wrote Durry in her press email about this event.
Now, she has a new routine that captures “the spirit of Israeli life through laughter, personal stories, and moments we all recognize,” wrote Durry.