As I journeyed through life, my admiration for the Jewish community grew stronger each day. They became a source of solace and support, transcending religious differences and forming bonds that surpassed the limitations of dogma or doctrine. My shared journey with my Jewish brothers and sisters towards spirituality and God forged a deep connection that shaped my Christian identity and worldview.

Music played a significant role in deepening this connection. Guided by a Jewish professor during my music studies I discovered a spark of the divine in the Jewish people that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. Education further shaped my perspective. My numerous encounters with Jewish professors enriched my understanding of Jewish culture and deepened my bond with the Jewish people.

In 1980, my musical journey brought me to Vienna, Austria, where I confronted a noticeable disconnect between Jews and non-Jews. There was hardly a possibility for a non-Jew to come into contact with the Jewish community. The synagogue in Vienna, scarred by a bomb attack and shootings by Palestinians in 1981, stood as a testament to these tensions.

These experiences opened...