Miri Ben-Ari

Miri Ben-Ari, a Grammy award-winning Israeli-American violinist, record producer, and singer, has been a staple in the music industry since 1999. Known for her unique blend of classical violin and hip-hop, her talents have led her to work across various genres and collaborate with renowned artists such as Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, John Legend, Jay Z, Patti Labelle, and Janet Jackson. In 2005, her contribution as a co-writer on Kanye West's "Jesus Walks" won her a Grammy for Best Rap Song, becoming the first violinist to win a Hip Hop category. Beyond her musical endeavors, Ben-Ari has also shown her entrepreneurial flair by establishing her own record label, Mirimode Productions.

Ben-Ari's work extends beyond the music industry. As an advocate for education and humanitarian efforts, she co-founded Gedenk, an organization dedicated to promoting education about the Holocaust in the United States, where she served as CEO for ten years. Her song “Symphony of Brotherhood,” featuring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., carries a message of unity and was chosen for a special performance at the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama. In 2013, Ben-Ari was appointed as "Goodwill Ambassador of Music" at the United Nations Association-Brazil. Ben-Ari also received the International Jewish Woman To Watch of 2007 Award, the Martin Luther King Award from Israeli President, Shimon Peres, Remarkable Woman by First Lady Michelle Obama, Girl Up Advocate Award from the United Nations Foundation, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by Neco.

In recent years, Ben-Ari has continued to innovate in her music and expand her influence. She launched the music group "Afrostringz" in 2020 and was appointed as a member of the New Jersey-Israel commission by NJ Governor Phil Murphy. She also took to the TED stage in 2021 and 2022, sharing her insights on creativity, entrepreneurship, and harmony & diversity. Her latest productions include the song "Symphony of Brotherhood Rise" with Flo Rida and Erik E. Hicks in 2022 and a special concert for Black History Month in 2023, hosted by the New Jersey-Israel Commission.