Yellow Piano installation in Pittsburgh pays tribute to hostages in Gaza through music

PITTSBURGH — A special piano was unveiled Sunday at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill.

It’s called “The Yellow Piano” and is dedicated to hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza.

The concept was created by the mother of now 23-year-old Alon Ohel, who was kidnapped by Hamas over 11 months ago. Her son is a pianist from Pittsburgh’s sister community of Misgav in Israel, and she believes that through music, her son and other hostages can feel that they are not alone.

Karen Galor is a Pittsburgh-based Jewish Community Member.

“I had the honor of going to Israel recently and meeting with Alon Ohel’s mom,” Galor said.

After Ohel was kidnapped, his mother installed a yellow piano in Tel Aviv’s hostage square with a sign “You Are Not Alone.” Since then, the concept has spread - with yellow pianos popping up in New York, Amsterdam and beyond.

“Throughout all of the world to put yellow pianos up, and there were pianos that were installed in Berlin, Paris, London, and also in hostage square in Tel Aviv. And what she wants is to just play and think of Alon,” Galor said.

Galor says in an effort to raise awareness of Alon’s story and others who remain in captivity in Gaza, the Pittsburgh community installed its own yellow piano in the Palm Court of the JCC. Several local musicians used the instrument in a concert on Sunday.

“And send him positivity and light and good vibes, and she really feels that he can feel that and that the other hostages can feel that,” Galor said.

The Yellow Piano will remain in Squirrel Hill until the hostages are released.

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