Ripple: A Night of Food, Music, and Dialogue
Ripple brings people together across differences. Through music, dialogue, and shared experiences, we transform isolation into connection — and connection into change.
Why It Matters
In a disconnected, overwhelming world, we all need a space to reconnect — to be inspired, to be heard, and to hear one another.
Ripple is that space. It brings together students, artists, educators, civic leaders, faith communities, and everyday neighbors to share stories, listen deeply, and imagine what’s possible.
Through world-class music, real conversation, and shared meals, Ripple opens hearts and builds trust. It’s a few hours of courage, connection, and community — reminding us that we’re not alone, and that meaningful change begins when we come together.
What Happens
Ripple is a 90 minute immersive experience that includes:
Live Music & Storytelling: World-class artists Aaron Shneyer (Heartbeat) and Sameh “Saz” Zakout (Dugri) perform powerful original songs and share personal stories rooted in Jewish and Palestinian experiences.
Guided Dialogue Circles: Participants engage in small-group conversations that foster trust, visibility, and purpose. Through dialogue helps people feel seen, reflect on what’s missing, and explore what they can offer.
Connected Seating: Attendees are seated in concentric circles and intentionally mixed across cultures, sectors, and identities — bringing together people who rarely gather and communicate, but urgently need to.
Saz Zakout & Aaron Shneyer
As solo artists and with Heartbeat and Dugri, Aaron and Sameh have performed and presented on music and conflict transformation throughout Israel/Palestine, Europe and North America, with notable engagements at: Harvard, Brown, Georgetown, Yale, American and many other universities, the US State Department, the US Congress, and the United States Institute of Peace.
Schools We Have Worked With:
Stanford University, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cornell University, Boston University, Ohio State University, University of Florida, Florida State University, American University, UMass Amherst, Temple University, Oberlin College, Marquette University, Hamilton College, Colby College, Bates College, Roanoke College, Curry College, Bradley University, Rockford University, Goddard College, St. Joseph’s College of Maine, University of North Carolina Asheville, Northwest Vista College.
Why This Model Works
Ripple combines creative expression with structured dialogue to drive real-world connection and action. It works because:
Music builds trust: Collective song increases empathy and belonging.
Art drives action: 85% of participatory arts projects strengthen community ties.
Dialogue fuels change: Events like Ripple double the likelihood of civic engagement.
Ripple brings people together across differences. Through music, dialogue, and shared experiences, we transform isolation into connection — and connection into change.
Education and Music
Ripple Workshops
Workshop A: Facilitating Dialogue Through Music
Led by Aaron Shneyer and Sameh “Saz” Zakout. Participants discover how to use music as a tool for dialogue, creating safe spaces for sharing and healing. They practice leading dialogue and integrating music as a bridge for connection.
Workshop B: Building Peace During Conflict
Led by Bob Schlehuber (Bob the Peacebuilder). Participants learn how to identify key community stakeholders, map connections, and develop strategies for peacebuilding. They leave with a clear understanding of their community’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for collective action.
Workshop C: From Pain to Partnership
Led by Sameh “Saz” Zakout and Aaron Shneyer. Participants explore how art, culture, and dialogue are being used to shift narratives and build bridges across the Israeli-Palestinian divide. Through story and song, Aaron and Saz share lessons from their decades of work in peacebuilding, inviting participants to reflect on what it means to move from division to shared vision.
“Bob is a rare example of an exceptionally creative, dynamic, and resolute organizer who belongs at the top of anyone’s list of the next generation of truly gifted leaders.”
— Peter Yarrow, Peter, Paul & Mary”
Aaron Shneyer’s music and leadership at Heartbeat has received support from such artists as:
Alicia Keys, Neil Young, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Peter Yarrow, Bobby McFerrin, Tom Paxton, David Broza, Ami Yares , Mira Awad, SKairos 4tet, TootArd , Medeski, Martin, and Wood
Artists and Educators
Aaron Shneyer is a musician, educator, and the founder of Heartbeat, an organization that connects young Israeli and Palestinian musicians through music and dialogue. His work blends creative expression with conflict transformation, using music to foster understanding and bridge divides. IG: @aaronshneyer
Sameh “Saz” Zakout is a Palestinian rapper and artist who uses hip-hop to amplify stories of identity, resilience, and social justice. Known for his powerful lyrics and dynamic performances, Saz bridges cultural divides and inspires dialogue through his music. IG: @alsaz.
Bob Schlehuber is a peacebuilder, organizer, and dialogue facilitator who uses art, storytelling, and community mapping to bring diverse communities together. His work spans the U.S. and internationally, creating spaces where people connect, share, and take collective action for good. IG: @bobthepeacebuilder
“Saz provides candid insight into the difficulties of growing up in a land of conflict.” — Educational Media Reviews Online
Through hip-hop, he turns personal truth into collective momentum — sparking connection between people who may never have crossed paths.
Bring Ripple to Your City
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”