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LOS ANGELES — Singer and songwriter Lauryn Hill is canceling a planned concert in Israel because she was unable to schedule a performance in the Palestinian territories, she announced Monday, May 5.
The decision was hailed as a victory by Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) activists, who had launched a campaign urging Hill to avoid performing in Israel because of the Zionist state’s human rights abuses against Palestinians.
The rapper said in a statement Monday that she originally intended to perform in both Tel Aviv and Ramallah in hopes of being “a presence supporting justice and peace.”
She explained preparing a show in the Palestinian territories “proved to be a challenge.” Not wanting to alienate fans, Hill canceled her concert in Israel that was to take place later this week.
Hill said she’s seeking a different approach to bring her music to fans in the region. She says she’s hoping for healing in the area and “the openness necessary for lasting resolution and reconciliation.”
Hill’s decision divided fans, with BDS activists calling her “courageous” and applauding her action, and Israel’s supporters going as far as accusing her of hating the Jewish people.
“Respect and proud of you,” commented one Facebook user on Hill’s official page.
But not all comments were fond of the decision.
“Thank you for throwing the Jewish people under the bus. You aren’t the first and you certainly won’t be the last. Those who curse the Jews will be cursed,” wrote another user on the social media page.
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