Israeli pop sensation Yehonatan Ya'akov "Jonathan" Mergui, known simply as Mergui, continues to make waves overseas as he pursues a growing music career in the United States. In a surprising and emotional moment this week, the artist performed an impromptu concert in the New York City subway and gave away all the money he received during the performance to a passerby who had supported him.
The subway appearance was part of a collaboration with the popular American Instagram account Subway Creatures, which boasts over 3 million followers and is known for capturing unexpected moments on public transit.
In a video posted to the account, Mergui is seen singing to stunned commuters, accompanied by Israeli guitarist Yossi Mizrachi. Among the songs he performed was his newly released single, “What More Do You Want,” a track that delves into the complexities of a toxic relationship.
The most touching moment came when a woman, the first to drop money into Mergui’s open guitar case, told him she didn’t have much to give but wanted to support “special music.” Moved by her words, Mergui embraced her and then handed over the entire sum collected during the performance.
