Lorde Cancels Israel Concert After Pro-Palestinian Campaign

Lorde cancels her concert after an online campaign of activists opposed to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The concert was scheduled for June 2018. Barely a week after it was announced, the singer said an “overwhelming number of messages and letters” she had received as a result of her decision to give the concert.

“Hey guys, regarding the show in Israel. I have received an overwhelming number of messages and letters. I have spoken with many people who have different opinions. Think that at this moment the correct decision is to cancel the concert,” said the singer according to the newspaper Jerusalem Post.

The Minister of Culture of Israel, Miri Regev made a call to the singer. He asked her to reconsider. She’s also being denounced by supporters of Israel in social networks. “Lorde, I hope you can be a ‘pure heroine’ as the title of your first album,” Regev said in a statement. “Be a heroine of pure culture. Free from foreign and ridiculous political considerations.” The minister said.

Lorde is not the only one who has made this decision

Just as she made this decision, many other artists have also canceled their performances in Israel, including Lauryn Hill. Elvis Costello, Radiohead, and Gorillaz. The band Radiohead faced similar criticism before its July 19 concert in Tel Aviv. The leader and singer Thom Yorke addressed the protesters one month before the recital. “There are many people who do not agree with the movement including us”.

The 21 years old Lorde, whose most recent album is “Melodrama”, has openly talked about her commitment to critics. She had been investigating the complexities of the political situation. and was “considering all options”.

Opinions don’t stop

Among those who contacted her were fellow New Zealanders Nadia Abu-Shanab and Justine Sachs. Who wrote her an open letter online asking her to cancel her concert in Israel

“Today, millions of people are opposed to the policies of oppression, ethnic cleansing, human rights violations, occupation and apartheid of the Israeli government. As part of this struggle, we believe that an economic, intellectual and artistic boycott is an effective way to speak out against these crimes. This worked very effectively against apartheid in South Africa. Hoping it can work again. “

“We can play an important role in challenging injustice today. Urging you to act in the spirit of the progressive New Zealanders who came before you. Continue your legacy.”

In a statement released by the Israeli public relations firm that handled the singer’s presentation in Tel Aviv, she said she had not “made the right decision” by initially deciding to present her show in Israel.
“I have had many discussions with people who have many points of view. I think the right decision at this time is to cancel the program.” Lorde wrote, adding, “I’m not too proud to admit that I didn’t make the right call in this case”.

Arielle de Naranjah, one of the promoters wrote on Facebook after the cancellation that he was “naive to think that an artist of her age could face the pressure of appearing in Israel.”

Twitter was flooded with positive and negative comments after the decision between them. The pro-Israel lobby organization StandWithUs accused Lorde of punishing Israel. “What a disappointment. Music should be enjoyed by all peoples. Instead, @lorde has encouraged a cultural ban of music on Israel. Lorde, do you really think punishing people #Israel is the right thing to do? How shameful.”

Trying to make a deal

The Israeli ambassador in New Zealand Izchak Gerberg was invited on Monday, December 26th to meet with the singer to clarify the situation.

“Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East,” Gerberg said, “Lorde has bowed to the pressure full of hatred of a few activists who extend a boycott of Israel.”

“Music should unite, not divide,” he added.

The fans also criticized through social networks the cancellation of the concert in Israel but that she will perform twice in Russia on her tour despite the violations of human rights in the country.

No doubt Lorde is not happy with her last decision. But she shows us by reiterating her decision and apologizing to her Israeli fans. She is proud to be a well-informed citizen and although she isn’t proud to admit that she didn’t make the right decision. She hopes that the situation improves. Hopefully, very soon you can enjoy this and many other singers.