Andrew Zutty of West Windsor celebrated his Bar Mitzvah during the weekend of May 6 to 8. He is the son of Jill and Marc Zutty of West Windsor. His brothers are Jason, 18, and Eric, 9. Andrew, a seventh grade student at Community Middle School, is also a professional actor.
At Shabbat Services on Friday evening, he read his “Hero” speech featuring the late Daniel Pearl (see speech below). The Zutty family had Rosh Hashana dinner with Daniel Pearl before he went to work as a journalist for the Wall Street Journal Overseas. “Pearl, a close friend of my sister, had a strong interest in writing and music — which are two of Andrew’s major interests,” says his mother. “The speech was extremely moving and the congregation loved it.”
Saturday evening Andrew participated in the Havdallah service, also at the Jewish Center of Princeton. His mother, a singer and songwriter, surprised him by presenting a song written for him, “A Brand New Day.” Together they performed her song, “Take My Hand.” Andrew sang, “Can you Feel the Love Tonight.”
The band, led by Sally Mitlas, created a photo montage of shows that Andrew had done. Part of the celebration included an 18th birthday celebration for his brother, Jason.
On Sunday there was a party in New York City Andrew’s show business friends. In the past year he has been on New York stages in productions of “A Christmas Carol,” “Children’s Letters to God” and “Under the Bridge.”
Andrew entered the party singing “My Town” and the kids from “Children’s Letters to God” performed several songs with lyricist Doug Cohen (nominated for a Drama desk Award). Singers Sara Kapner and Lauren Cipperly also performed at the party.
Andrew’s next project is a book series on audio. The educational Kids reading to Kids features excerpts from books including Roald Dahl. “He is very excited to start this project as he loves to work in the recording studio,” says his mother.
Daniel Pearl’s West Windsor Legacy
Andrew Zutty of West Windsor began celebrating his Bar Mitzvah on Friday, May 6. At the Shabbat Services the 13-year-old remembered the Wall Street Journal reporter who was killed while reporting in Pakistan. Zutty’s speech:
My father is Jewish, my mother is Jewish, I am Jewish” These were the last words uttered by Daniel Pearl. How many of us would say that to others. Now, How many would say that to others when we knew we were going to die for it! Daniel Pearl did just that.
I am very proud to say that I knew Daniel Pearl. His last words were an inspiration to all Jews around the world because no Jew had ever expressed such dignity and humanity in such a publicized setting. Daniel Pearl joined my family for Rosh Hashanah dinner as a guest of my aunt, who was a close friend of Danny. This was just before he was going to travel overseas as a reporter.
Daniel Pearl was born in Princeton on October 10, 1963. At the age of 2, Daniel moved with his family to Los Angeles. He expressed an interest in musical and intellectual careers. Daniel Pearl was a gifted writer and at a very young age he became a respected Wall Street Journal reporter. During one of his reporting expeditions he went to Pakistan to do a report on the war on terrorism. He was kidnapped by terrorists and executed on February 21, 2002.
Daniel Pearl died because he was not afraid to be a Jew. When the terrorists asked him if he was a Jew, Daniel Pearl proudly said, “My father is Jewish, my mother is Jewish and I am Jewish.” He proved that he was proud of his religion and that he was willing to die for it.
Daniel Pearl and I share many things: We are both Jewish, and we were both born in Princeton. Daniel was a world famous writer and I hope to be a writer some day. Daniel and I both love music. He loved to play instruments and write songs and I love to sing.
To honor Danny, and follow a principal encouraged by the Princeton Jewish Center, I will be donating a portion of my (Bar Mitzvah) gifts to the Daniel Pearl Foundation that was formed by his family to carry on Daniel’s legacy. One of the most amazing events that the foundation sponsors is the Annual Daniel Pearl Music Day. In the spirit of his love of music and commitment to dialogue, Daniel Pearl Music Day uses the power of music to promote tolerance and inspire the respect for differences. Music Day concerts are held around the world on October 10 — Danny’s birthday.
During the third annual Daniel Pearl Music Day over 400 concerts in 39 countries were dedicated to Harmony for Humanity, almost doubling 2003 participation and bringing thousands together to promote understanding, tolerance, and respect for differences, and to celebrate our common humanity.
Daniel Pearl’s death left us all in shock and his last words left a mark in our hearts. I will never forget Daniel Pearl. I thank him for being my inspiration. My father is Jewish, my mother is Jewish, and I am proud to be Jewish!
