Video: David Draiman Sings Israeli National Anthem at Disturbed’s Tel Aviv Show

David Draiman has found himself at the center of some controversy lately, not for his band’s shitty music but for his outspoken support of Israel and his commentary regarding Roger Waters’ refusal to play there, first referring to the former Pink Floyd bassist/vocalist and his supporters as “Nazi comrades” and then walking back that aggressive stance in more measured, sensible tones.

All this was a pre-cursor to Disturbed’s performance in Israel, which took place last night (July 2nd) at Live Park in Rishon Lezion, near Tel Aviv. The Jerusalem Post reports that 10,000 fans attended the concert and that Draiman often spoke to the crowd in Hebrew, singing the Israeli national anthem “Hatikvah” towards the end of the night.

One quote in the Post article from an attendee named Harry Rubenstein really underscores the point Draiman has been trying to make with regards to Waters, namely that it’s unfair to penalize a country’s residents with a performance boycott for the actions of their government. Get a load of the jubilation coming from this guy:

“There was an immediate and undeniable connection between the band and the audience, both who were clearly waiting for this day for a long time. It was simultaneously a two hour onslaught of fist-pumping melodic metal, and one of the most Jewish concerts I’ve ever attended since I saw Anthrax play ‘Hava Nagila.’ Also, my face melted.”

Rock on, Harry! Draiman’s support of Israel goes way beyond my own — I don’t support the government at all — but I’m happy the people of Israel had a chance to rock out, even if I don’t like Disturbed. Watch Draiman’s performance of “Hatikvah” below.

[via Loudwire]