OVER THE LAST few years, numerous artists have refused to tour in Israel, as they do not want to appear to be in support of the Israeli government’s policies.
After prolonged consideration, 21-year-old pop-star Lorde pulled out of a Tel Aviv gig and released a statement in which she said, “I think the right decision at this time is to cancel the show.” Lorde’s decision was met with fury and backlash, as an Israeli group attempted to sue Lorde for her “illegal boycott“.
After it was announced that Lana Del Rey was set to play a gig at an Israeli festival, fans voiced their disappointment.
If your intention is to use music to “bring people together,” then demand Israel allow West Bank/Gaza Palestinians to attend! Can’t bring ppl together at an apartheid venue under apartheid rule. Palestinians do not have the same rights to attend.
— The Empire Files (@EmpireFiles) August 19, 2018
U never come to africa, and you never come to arabic/muslim countries, and the one time u decide 2come 2the middle east u pick israel? The one country that embodies everything youve been singing agains? My heart is broken and idk how to feel abt it, enjoy dancing on dead bodies
— Yasmine🍇 (@yourgurljas) August 19, 2018
Dear Lana, me and over 470 fan agree that performing in Tel Aviv, especially at this time, is a serious mistake. We all should take a stand against oppressors. Being silent never solved anything. We are simply asking you to follow the steps of even greater musicians, and cancel. pic.twitter.com/tNs4jdYhLx
— ahmad (@ahmadmerhebe) August 19, 2018
Here is Lana’s statement about her decision to go ahead with the concert.
I understand many of u are upset that we’re going to Tel Aviv for the Meteor festival, I understand your concern I really get do. What I can tell you is I believe music is universal and should be used to bring us together. We signed onto the show w the intention that it would be performed for the kids there and my plan was for it to be done w a loving energy w a thematic emphasis on peace. If you don’t agree with it I get it. I see both sides.
— Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) August 19, 2018
She continued:
Me and my band have been performing all over the world for months out of the years for close to 10 years now together. And we’re about to travel to a place that many big bands are playing this year and at this festival. We don’t always agree with the politics of the places we play within or even in our own country – sometimes we don’t even feel safe, depending on how far abroad, but we travel – but we are musicians and we’ve dedicated our lives to being on the road. So in closing, although I have deep sentiments over what is true or not true, right or wrong – I would like to remind you that performing in Tel Aviv is not a political statement or a commitment to the politics there just as singing here in California doesn’t mean my views are in alignment w my current governments opinions or sometimes inhuman actions.
The statement went on to say that although Lana doesn’t condone Donald Trump’s behaviour, or the fact that he openly mocks disabled people at rallies, she’s just “doing [her] best to navigate the waters of the constant tumultuous hardships in the war-torn countries all over the world that [she] travels through monthly.”
Lana also said that she’s not “in any way” comparing the “gravity of certain travesties that have occurred in Israel to the current hardships” that Americans are facing.
— Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) August 19, 2018
Fans were still unimpressed with Lana’s decision.
Music is universal but not neutral. pic.twitter.com/TowRYPuu5H
— Safiya (@saf_iyaa) August 19, 2018
I respect your opinion and I don’t doubt (not even for a second) on your positive, good and bright intentions. However, judging by the situation atm, I truly believe you should take one step behind, and don’t perform there. There are many other ways to spread love through music x
— Lana Del Rey World (@LanaDelReyWorld) August 20, 2018
When a civil society movement of oppressed people asks you not to play in the state that oppresses them and uses cultural performance to whitewash their image, rejecting their request *IS* a political statement and it is not one history will judge kindly.
— (((YousefMunayyer))) (@YousefMunayyer) August 19, 2018
One fan pointed out that not once in Lana Del Rey’s lengthy statement did she seem to consider, or even mention, the people of Palestine.
those are a lot of words and none of them are "Palestine" or "Palestinians"
— Nothing but respect for my President, Javier Báez (@kranzman) August 19, 2018
Here is the entire lineup for the Israeli music festival.
Some of the other artists on it include A$AP FERG, Flying Lotus, Nina Kraviz, Mura Masa, Soulwax and Pusha T.
