Aviv Geffen Reconciles with Man Who Attacked Him 30 Years Ago

Decades after being attacked with stones and eggs by ultra-Orthodox youths protesting the Oslo Accords, Israeli musician Aviv Geffen experienced a remarkable moment of closure during a concert in Tel Hai. Geffen paused his performance to reveal that David Zoldan, now an author, columnist, and IDF officer, was in the audience. Zoldan had come to personally seek forgiveness for his role in the 1990s incident, where he was part of a group aiming to undermine Geffen's support for the Rabin government.

Zoldan recalled seeing Geffen as a "dangerous enemy of the people" and admitted his reaction was emotional, something he had previously boasted about. His personal transformation, paralleling Geffen's own shift towards reconciliation, culminated in this onstage gesture. Geffen dedicated a song to Zoldan, commending his courage in apologizing, but stated, "I don't forgive, it hurt me, but peace is a painful thing."

The shift in perception towards Geffen within parts of the ultra-Orthodox community began during the COVID-19 pandemic, following his public support for residents of Bnei Brak. This trend was further solidified by his joint performances with singer Avraham Fried. Zoldan, who has researched the bohemian world and previously attempted mediation between Geffen's late father, Yonatan Gefen, and Uri Zohar, views Geffen's gesture as a historic rectification.

Zoldan expressed his belief that Geffen's actions, such as visiting Bnei Brak and receiving a warm welcome, signify a "Messianic era" by reducing hatred and building bridges of reconciliation between different segments of Israeli society.