New Zealand pop star Lorde could cancel her Tel Aviv tour stop because of a backlash over her decision to play in Israel.
Many fans have spoken out on social media, with some having asked the 21-year-old calling on her not to play Tel Aviv as a protest against the country’s occupation of Palestinian territory.
In response, Lorde wrote on Twitter: “Noted! Been speaking w(ith) many people about this and considering all options. Thank u for educating me, I am learning all the time too.”
Lorde is scheduled to play at the Tel Aviv Convention Center, which hosts around 45 to 60 major events annually and hosts up to 2.5 million visitors a year. In recent years, the venue has hosted the likes of Iggy Pop, Lady Gaga, Kaiser Chiefs, MGMT, LCD Soundsystem and Kygo.
Two New Zealanders, Nadia Abu-Shanab and Justine Sachs, wrote an open letter to the star requesting that she cancels the Israel stop scheduled for June 2018.
“Dear Lorde … we’re two young women based in Aotearoa, one Jewish, one Palestinian,” the women wrote.
“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. This worked very effectively against apartheid in South Africa, and we hope it can work again.
“We can play an important role in challenging injustice today. We urge you to act in the spirit of progressive New Zealanders who came before you and continue their legacy.”
Lorde has faced criticism about the decision to play Israel since she announced her tour dates on Monday. However, some fans have backed the singer stating that politics should not have a role in the world of music and art.
One tweeted: “Don’t play in Tel Aviv while they have the Palestinians under a brutal occupation! Very disappointed in you! Boycott Israel!”
Another responded: “She’s doing this for the fans, please leave politics out of this thank you.”
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