Hurting with Insanity - Mendy J ft. Leibel Lazaroff (Official Music Video)

Singer Mendy J & Bondi Beach Survivor Leibel Lazaroff Sing for Mumbai, Dubai & Bondi: “Hurting with Insanity”

June 23, 2026 • Singles • No Comments

Chabad singer Mendy J, like many of us, was affected by these three terrible tragedies. He wasn’t planning on releasing a song in their memory. However, when he received a demo from hitmaker and renowned composer Yitzy Bald, the lyrics immediately struck a chord.

Drawn from Kinos and Tehillim, which speak of Jewish suffering and tragedy, these ancient words are brought to life in 2026. Even though it has been almost two decades since the Mumbai attack, the insanity continues.

“When I first heard this song,” says Mendy J, “it touched my soul. The melody and lyrics moved me so deeply that I knew I had to release it to the world. So many people are carrying grief, and we just don’t have any more words.”

The reason Mendy chose to record and release this song in memory of Rabbi Eli Schlanger הי”ד is rooted in a deeply personal story.

When Mendy was a young child, doctors discovered that his brother had an aneurysm, and he had a difficult time coping with the situation. Music became his outlet. He expressed his pain through the timeless sounds of melody and song.

At the time, he learned on Thursday nights with Rabbi Eli through a program called Ach HaGadol. One evening, Mendy overheard some boys making fun of him, saying that he thought he was a singer. When Rabbi Eli overheard them, he immediately came to Mendy’s defense.

“This is Mendy’s outlet,” Rabbi Eli told them. “One day you’ll see, he will become a singer.”

The moment left a lasting impression. Mendy waited nearly a month before telling Rabbi Eli that he had overheard the exchange and how much it meant to him that someone believed in him and stood up for him.

It was this memory, and Rabbi Eli’s lasting impact on his life, that inspired Mendy to release this song in memory of Rabbi Eli and the other kedoshim, helping to continue spreading their light and message.

Shortly afterward, Mendy decided to reach out to Bondi Beach survivor Leibel Lazaroff and tell him about his personal connection to Rabbi Eli. While Leibel was still in the hospital in the midst of multiple surgeries, Mendy shared the project with him. Deeply moved by the song’s message and the opportunity to honor Rabbi Eli and the other kedoshim, Leibel agreed to join the project.

Having seen Leibel sing and perform, Mendy knew that his musical talent, heartfelt voice, and ability to inspire people around the world would bring the song’s message directly to listeners’ hearts.

Yitzy Bald’s words, combined with Mendy’s vocal vulnerability and the heartfelt contribution of guest vocalist and survivor Leibel Lazaroff, bring these timeless lyrics to life in a powerful and moving way.

Producer Yoel Weiss takes the song to another level, adding depth and emotion to the haunting melody while helping listeners connect even more deeply with its message.

Nearly two decades after Mumbai, and following the tragedies of Dubai and Bondi, ‘Hurting with Insanity’ gives voice to the pain, grief, and resilience of the Jewish people while honoring the memory of those whose light continues to shine.