“The person who feels pain is alive. But when he feels the pain of others, then yes, he is human,” says John Rerakis owner of Philhellene restaurant, in the words of Nikos Kazantzakis, inviting people to attend a musical night at Taksim square restaurant, where all money raised will be donated to the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
Popular restaurants Philhellene and Taksim Square, are organising a music night on Monday, 27 February at Taksim Square restaurant, with the aim to raise money for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
“As Greeks we are compassionate people, it’s in our blood,” says John Rerakis owner of Philhellene restaurant, to Neos Kosmos, added that he felt “compelled” to do something, when he found out about the “disaster of the century” as he described it.
“A lesson that my parents taught me is that it’s better to give than to receive,” he added.
Feeling a deep urge to help, Mr Rerakis approached the restaurateurs of Taksim Square restaurant, and came to an agreement to “do something together”, in solidarity of the earthquake victims.
“This Monday people can come and eat and whatever money we make, will go to the victims of this terrible earthquake,” he said.
The night will be buzzing in the sounds of Greek and Turkish music, played by talented local musicians who will join their voices and traditional musical instruments, including Aylin Celik, George Athanasakos, Desi Levoyannis, Joseph Tsombanopoulos and Paddy Montgomery.
It’s interesting to say, that although Paddy Montgomery is not Greek, he has a deep love and appreciation for the Greek tradition.
“I was stunned when I saw him playing Ipirotika,” said John, about the Irish musician, who was born in Adelaide.
He’s teaching me things about Cretan music, which even I don’t know,” admits Mr Rerakis, who describes himself as “a proud Cretan”.
Every Tuesday, the proud Cretan happily hosts “jam nights” with Paddy and others at his restaurant, who play many different types of traditional musical instruments, expressing their love for music and Greek culture.
“It’s very moving,” he says. “It doesn’t matter where everyone comes from, who cares about the history between the Greeks and the Turkish…”
“Human suffering has no limits. And as the great Nikos Kazantzakis said: The person who feels pain is alive. But when he feels the pain of others, then yes, he is human.”
“Natural disasters bring people closer together,” he explains stressing the importance of facilitating such events that “bring attention to the cause”.
“This is a great lesson not only for Greeks and Turkish people, but for all of us as a human species.”
For those interested in contributing to this effort, the event starts at 7pm.
Tickets are $120, inclusive of dinner, live music with all proceeds donated to the earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey.
