Ahead of his performance at Binyanei HaUma, Shwekey appeared on the “Zman Avir” radio program hosted by Menachem Toker and spoke emotionally about returning to the country during such a sensitive period.

“To come once again to Yerushalauyim, to this holy place, and sing for all the people who have really been waiting such a long time — it’s truly going to be warm,” Shwekey said.

During the interview, Toker referenced the singer’s previous trip to Israel, when Shwekey became stranded in the country because of escalating security tensions. This time, however, the singer decided to come despite the concerns.

Shwekey said he viewed the trip as a genuine mission.

“I promised people that we would do this, and there’s a real responsibility in doing something like this,” he explained.

The singer added that during times of war and uncertainty, people need music and joy more than ever.

“We need more singing, more music, and more joy. To add morale and all these things. People are truly under tremendous pressure and stress, and music is the remedy — our remedy, spiritually as well.”

One of the more intriguing moments of the interview came when Toker raised the subject of President Donald Trump’s warm attitude toward Israel and Shabbos observance.

Toker jokingly wondered whether Trump himself may have heard Shwekey’s Shabbos songs through the singer’s popular “Project Shabbos” initiative.

Shwekey responded that he had heard from people working inside the White House that Jewish music is indeed played there.

“I actually spoke with a few people who work there… and they listen to Shabbos songs,” Shwekey said.

“There are a lot of Jews working there, so who knows,” he added.

Shwekey also said his “Project Shabbos” initiative has generated unexpected reactions around the world.

“I see with the Project Shabbos that it’s managing to accomplish things, that this is really entering every place in the world,” he said.

According to the singer, the fact that Shabbos songs are now being heard in surprising places creates a powerful feeling of Kiddush Hashem and strengthens Jewish identity and connection.

{Matzav.com}