RAMALLAH, December 26, 2017 (WAFA) – New Zealand singer Lorde has cancelled an upcoming concert in Israel after calls made by activists from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Israeli owner and founder of concert organizer Naranjah Eran Arielli confirmed via Facebook that the 21-year-old singer cancelled the show that was scheduled for Tel Aviv in June.
Earlier this week, Palestinian activist Nadia Abu Shanab and Jewish activist Justine Sachs sent an open letter to Lorde calling her to cancel the show.
The letters mentioned the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
“Since 1967, Israel has militarily occupied Palestinian land in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza strip. The occupation is considered an affront to international law and Israeli settlements in the area explicitly violate the Geneva Convention. The military occupation of Palestinian territories has resulted in an apartheid state,” the letter said.
“Today, millions of people stand opposed to the Israeli government’s policies of oppression, ethnic cleansing, human rights violations, occupation and apartheid. As part of this struggle, we believe that an economic, intellectual and artistic boycott is an effective way of speaking out against these crimes,” it said.
“The weeks prior to your tour announcement have been a difficult time for Palestinians, particularly after the Trump administration’s decision to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Since the 6th of December Israel has killed 11 Palestinians, injured 3000 and detained 350.”
It added: “In this context, a performance in Israel sends the wrong message. Playing in Tel Aviv will be seen as giving support to the policies of the Israeli government, even if you make no comment on the political situation. Such an effect cannot be undone by even the best intention and the best music.”
Lorde took to Twitter to respond to a user who sent her a link to the letter:
“Noted! Been speaking w many people about this and considering all options. Thank u for educating me I am learning all the time too.”
The BDS movement has frequently made calls for many artists to cancel events in Israel, to which some of the top artists, including Roger Walters and Stevie Wonder, have accepted the call.
K.T./M.K.
