A few weeks ago, I interviewed a teenager. He delivered the main speech at a Daniel Pearl World Music Day event.

The event was outstanding. The speech, the teenager, all outstanding. A few years back, the teenager, or Persistent Kid, began writing an essay on a world without hate. “In my research I came across the story of Daniel Pearl,” Persistent Kid said.

Daniel Pearl is known as the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in early 2002, just four months after 9/11. Pearl was born in New Jersey October 10, 1963, and grew up in Los Angeles, California, where he involved himself with his Jewish faith, music, academics and sports. After his untimely and gruesome death, instigated by hate, a Foundation was established to honor the principles that shaped Pearl’s work and character. One element of the Daniel Pearl Foundation is sponsoring a World Music Day in October, to celebrate Daniel’s birthday.

“I emailed Daniel’s father, Judea Pearl and was surprised to find a two-page response,” said Persistent Kid, who was about to participate in his barmitzvah. A barmitzvah is a Jewish coming of age ceremony. During the confirmation, boys are encouraged to do a good deed, “and the idea of participating in World Music Day came about, so I read my essay to the school’s Board of Education and they immediately approved to host a Concert,” added Persistent Kid.

The event grows each year. The student body is encouraged to be brave in the face of hate.

Thousands of World Music Days were held around the world.

Psalm 18:1-2, 40, ESV

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
² The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
⁴⁰You made my enemies turn their backs to me,
and those who hated me I destroyed.