Mar 11, 2006 -- More than 700 foreign students studying at yeshivot and universities in Israel gathered at Jerusalem’s International Conference Center on March 11th to demonstrate their solidarity with the state of Israel in a “Battle of the Bands" concert. The concert, sponsored by Yeshiva University; KEDMA, an international student organization devoted to social action and leadership training; and Partnership 2000 Jerusalem - New York, raised urgently needed funds for Israeli victims of terror while providing an artistic and creative outlet for Jewish students from around the world. The judges, including lead singer of Reva L’Sheva Yehuda Katz, awarded first place to Yeshivat Hakotel, followed by Yeshivat Har Etzion and Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim. Photos of the Battle of the Bands are available here. The bands, representing 11 institutions for college-age overseas students, performed original and cover songs, singing about their hopes both for peace in Israel and unity among Jews worldwide. The hundreds of students in attendance reflected the sense of unity of purpose in the room, as they sang and danced along with the 22 songs performed. Battle of the Bands is one of many projects that KEDMA organizes throughout the year for college-age students. The annual concerts have raised approximately $35,000 over the past six years, including almost $7000 this year, with all the money going directly to terror victims and/or their own families to help them deal with the daunting challenges they face.