august 7 

Remember when the New Yorker TV critic Richard Arlen dissected growing American opposition to the Vietnam War? It was, in part, he argued because for the first time civilians were brought into the bloody battles via television. And it felt horrible. We’ve had those feelings watching things in Iraq and they’ve been intensified by the Lebanon-Israel conflict. There’s a feeling of anger, sadness and abject hopelessness. Here’s a little bit you can do: Attend the Aug. 7 musical-theatrical relief event at the Emmanuel Church in the Back Baby. Performers include Anne Azema, Jeremy Geidt, Mehmet Sanlikol, Craig Smith and Benjamin Zander. Organizations participating include the American Repertory Theatre, the Boston Camerata, The Boston Philharmonic, Dunya Turkish Music Ensemble, Emmanuel Music, From the Top, Sharq Arab-American Ensemble and Voices of Black Persuasion.

Event co-organizer Joel Cohen, director of Boston Camerata, says it will be “non-sectarian, non-partisan and non-political. But it is clear to all of the participants, like so many of us in the public at large are horrified by this recent violence. We want to do something to help those who suffer from it.’’

It starts at 8 p.m. and admission is free, but donations go to the International Red Cross and other related charities.

15 Newbury St., Boston.