The Lion of Zion – singing the legacy of Ari Fuld

Terrorism and war have touched the lives of Jews around the world, stealing from us people we loved and admired.

Ari Fuld was murdered by a teenaged terrorist who stabbed him in the back on the 16th of September 2018. Although his wound was fatal, he drew on his strength of spirit, fought back, chased after the fleeing terrorist, jumped over a small wall and, although he stumbled and banged into a glass door, he managed to take a strong shooting stance, shoot and prevent the terrorist from hurting any other innocent bystanders.

Ari’s last heroic moments were symbolic of the way he lived his life. Ari modelled what it means to be a strong Jew and, through his actions and teachings, inspired others to strengthen their own Jewish identity and connection to our ancestral homeland and those who defend it.

Yehuda Gelb explains: “I came across Ari a few years ago while creating a film for the Israel video contest run by Avi Abelow of 12 tribe films. Since then I collaborated with him on additional pro-Israel video productions and assisted him in filming footage for his organization. To me he is a symbol of courage and integrity. He inspired me to keep fear out of the equation when it comes to standing up for my nation. That’s why Gavriel Sherman and I produced this song. This is our way to pass on Ari’s legacy, remind those who knew of him and help teach those who didn’t know Ari that they too can find their own way of being a Lion of Zion.”

LION OF ZION – a tribute to Ari Fuld
Composed and Produced by Yehuda Gelb
Lyrics and vocals by Gavriel Sherman

Come join me in the jungle and we’ll walk through the streets
When the night comes I will show you all the kinds of creatures I meet
There's the snake who says he wants peace, while he poisons your veins
There's the wild and crazy hyena who laughs at your pain
But the lion, my lion, he’s a good friend of mine
Showed me what it means to love and always be kind
He said, always stand for what’s right, no matter the cost
I know that I can’t see him now, but his dream is not lost

CHORUS:
I’m gonna take back that hill, gonna take back my home
Fly the blue and white high on the land that I own
Join hands with some strangers and dance through the night
Be kind to my neighbor, and love with all my might
Say it loud, say it proud, we’re not afraid anymore
Hear the Lion of Zion will roar forever more

VERSE 2:
There's fox who preaches love while he whispers of hate
There's the rooster who wakes up when, it’s already too late
There's the ape acts with no shame, no honor to keep
There's the screaming vulture who hungers for death in the streets.
But the lion, my lion, he’s a good friend of mine
Showed me what it means to love and always be kind
He said always stand for what’s right, no matter the cost
I know that I can’t see him now, but his dream is not lost

BRIDGE:
Now the coward is still the worst creature of all
He’ll stab you in the back, cause he’s afraid and so small
But the lion taught me there’s no challenge too strong

And if life is easy, you’re living it wrong

Yehuda Gelb is currently serving in the Israeli Air Force. In between service he squeezes in time for his passions – video and music. Yehuda started YG productions because he loves to play with all those elements that go into making something wonderful to convey inspiring messages to people – great music and great visuals, collaborating with different musicians and artists to make it all come together.

Inspiring examples from Israel of living beyond terror and thriving. If others have done it, you can too!