During a time of growing anti-Semitism, terrorism and hatred, a local music group called Ma’ayan has set out to unify the world, and make it a bit better, a bit brighter and a lot more loving

Ma’ayan is the Hebrew word for “wellspring,” and the group believes that unifying the power of music, particularly Jewish music, could be the wellspring of love that we all need.

The group is composed of longtime friends, all of whom lived in the former Soviet Union and later lived in Israel where all had served in the IDF. They perform Jewish folklore songs, melodies and original pieces with the underlying purposes of uniting those in the audience.

While they always had an affinity for music, only one of the six members is a professional musician. It was after they began talking and exploring what it means for them to be Jewish that they discovered the unifying power of Jewish music, and Ma’ayan was born.

They arrived at the conclusion that what unites us is a feeling of belonging to the Jewish nation, a feeling that there is something that connects us all.

READ: RYERSON STUDENT’S RESPONSE TO BEING TOLD BY SCHOOL SHE COULDN’T DO PLACEMENT AT JEWISH ORGS

In pursuit of further understanding what connects the Jewish nation, and through their love of music, they began researching old Jewish folklore songs and discovered they all talk about the idea of unity and rising above our differences.

“It doesn’t matter if you are observant or not, you are a human being and you need to do your part. In the moment of greatest difference lies the biggest opportunity for love and unity, we are a family,” said Yuri Kaplunovich, one of the musicians in the band.

Upon making this discovery, they began implementing this theme in their personal lives by understanding that conflicts and differences are there as a means to unite people.

After experiencing the positive effects of this new perspective, the group began hosting musical workshops where ideas of unity and Jewish identity are discussed in a warm, welcoming and understanding environment to the incredible sounds of Ma’ayan.

Ma’ayan will be performing at the Israel Day Festival at Lebovic Campus on June 4, 2017.