WASHINGTON, DC (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Dave Matthews Band played their very first show together in March 1991 at Trax in Charlottesville to benefit the Middle East Children’s Alliance, and Matthews Wednesday was in DC protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit. He said he’s ashamed his tax dollars went to Netanyahu being hosted by our government, and able to address Congress. He said Netanyahu is a barrier to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank being able to live happy, productive lives.

That organization that benefitted from the band’s first show is still going supporting “dozens of community projects for Palestinian children and refugees from Syria. The organization’s website says “since 1988 we have delivered $31 million in food and medical aid to Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon”.