More than  1,000 people filled the seats  at The Jerusalem Sports Center to watch as Shalva saluted its children with  a gala musical performance.  Over 150 children performed for the audience which included parents, supporters and public officials, including  Knesset ministers and representatives of the Jerusalem municipality.  They were joined by former Israel Idol winners and personalities from Children's TV who performed onstage with the Shalva children.



Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat, who spoke to the enthusiastic audience, praised Shalva, saying that the organization's presence in the city attests not only to the hard work of its founders and staff but also to the greatness of the city and its residents.   "Shalva is a source of pride to its founders and to Jerusalem, as well," he said.

It was a gala, festive, balloon-filled performance that had the audience on its feet clamoring for more.  One audience member summed it all up by saying the Shalva Idol 4 was the best part of this year's Jerusalem Arts Festival.