Skip to content
Project 2025
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories
Protesters holding signs

Project 2025: Abortion policy

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is a threat to American democracy

A new ‘Hallelujah’ for the war in Ukraine

A new ‘Hallelujah’ for the war in Ukraine
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen's song for Ukraine with new lyrics, 2022
www.youtube.com
David L. Nevins
By David L. NevinsMar 10, 2022
David L. Nevins
David L. Nevins serves as co-publisher of The Fulcrum. Additionally, Nevins serves as co-founder and Board Chairman of the Bridge Alliance. Nevins brings business acumen, vision and a tireless this-must-and-can-be-done zeal to the burgeoning movement to bridge divides to transform the political process. As a business leader, Nevins excels at building bridges between people and organizations from the right, left and center for civilized conversation and then action. He co-founded the Bridge Alliance because, as he says, “No matter how well managed and how well funded anyone organization is, significant political reform will not happen without an alliance to further collaborative interactions. Together we can and will raise the collective impact of all.” He is a member of the Aspen Institute Society of Fellows, with a focus on the Aspen Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership, he established and continues to work with The Nevins Democracy Leaders program at Penn State University. Nevins graduated with honors in economics from Penn State in 1969 and received an M.B.A. in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1971.
See More Writings by author

So often in our history horrific and unforeseen events bring us together as a nation. That is happening today with the united condemnation of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

As we all search for the answer that might solve this humanitarian crisis, artists are adding their voice. One such artist is Shirely Serban, known best for her humor and satire. She recently said the crisis in Ukraine moved her to rewrite the lyrics of Leonard Cohen’s 1985 song “Hallelujah.”

Serban spoke of her motivation for writing the song:

“I know that I'm more known for funnier songs, but with recent events, it's hard to find humor. I played with the lyrics of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' yesterday — all about trying to find joy in the midst of all this, then recorded it with my guitar this morning. Ukraine is very much in my heart at this time. This song is for all unwittingly caught in the conflict there. Also remembering the very many in Russia who want nothing to do with this, including those who are putting their own lives in danger through protesting. And not forgetting victims of war and unrest around the world today — you are not forgotten.”

Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter

The word “hallelujah” comes from the word “hallelu” in the Hebrew Bible, where it represents a shortened form of the unspoken name of God. Overtime “hallelujah” has become a refrain in times of celebration, mourning, regret, catharsis and reconciliation.

Today is one of those times.

Serban’s “Hallelujah” helps us all as we all try to find some hope and joy in the midst of this crisis. And perhaps it will inspire people.

“I'm well aware that a song doesn't stop the guns and tanks, but it can help people voice what is hard to do otherwise. And that might lead to action. For those who pray, they may pray more. For those who petition others in power, it might lead to a renewing of that. Or giving to charity, or just being mindful of others around the world. I've had people commenting who are going to Ukraine to help defend it. But really, the song at essence is a statement of shared sorrow,” she said.

Latest news

Man atop a mountain
Democracy

America needs to open new frontiers

Vice President Harris at a podium
Election 2024

Will America dare break the glass?

Clarence Thomas, John Roberts and Samuel Alito
Rule of Law

Is the Supreme Court partisan?

Read More

Candace Asher

Singer/songwriter Candace Asher

Presenting 'This Country Tis of Thee'

As we approach another presidential election, less than 120 days away, uncivil, dysfunctional behaviors continue to divide the nation. Each side blaming the other is never going to unite us.

As the rancor and divide between Americans increases, we need to stop focusing on our differences. The Fulcrum underscores the imperative that we find the common bonds of our humanity — those can, do and must bind us together.

There are many examples in the American Songbook that brought folks together in previous times of great strife and discord, including “Imagine,” “Heal the World,” “Love Can Build a Bridge,” “The Great Divide” and, of course, “We Are the World.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Sutherland, Jane Fonda and others on stage

Donald Sutherland (left), Paul Mooney, and Jane Fonda performing in an anti-Vietnam War FTA (Free The Army) show in the Philippines in 1971.

Stuart Lutz/Gado/Getty Images

This young GI met Donald Sutherland in a bygone era. RIP to an original.

Page is an American journalist, syndicated columnist and senior member of the Chicago Tribune editorial board.

News of Donald Sutherland's death at age 88 took me back to a day in 1971 when he was protesting the Vietnam War onstage with Jane Fonda and I was one of about 1,000 off-duty soldiers in their audience.

I hoped, in the spirit of John Lennon's anthem, to give peace a chance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Taylor Swift singing on stage
John Shearer/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift: 'It's basically saying don't lose hope'

Daley-Harris is the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’sGuide to Transformational Advocacy” and the founder of RESULTS and Civic Courage. This is part of a series focused on better understanding transformational advocacy: citizens awakening to their power.

In my last writing, I discussed how Taylor Swift’s first involvement in politics (during the 2018 midterm election in Tennessee) was prompted, in part, by her harrowing experience in a sexual assault trial. That year Swift endorsed Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s opponent in Tennessee’s U.S. Senate race, Rep. Jim Cooper (D). It wasn’t an easy decision.

“I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions,” she wrote in an Instagram post, “but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now. I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.”

Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter

Keep ReadingShow less
Young woman doing stand-up comedy

Laughter is the embodiment of depolarization.

FG Trade/Getty Images

What role does comedy play in pulling us together?

It’s no secret that pop culture in America has amazing healing and connecting powers. Throughout history, we’ve seen how artists, entertainers, athletes and creators of every kind invite us into a space of transcendence that leads to connectivity. We see that when we join people together their energy can be harnessed for good, and then amplified and scaled.

Certainly comedy fits in perfectly. Laughter is the embodiment of depolarization. Just consider that in order for something to evoke laughter, it has to have the capacity to both hold tension and release tension at the same time. And so we invite you to join Bridge Entertainment Labs tomorrow at 4 pm Eastern for “What’s Making Us Laugh? What Role Does Comedy Play in Pulling Us Together — or Driving Us Apart?”

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2024