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Lorde cancels Israel concert after pro-Palestinian campaign
The New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde has cancelled a planned concert in Israel following an online campaign by activists opposed to the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
The announcement of the cancellation of the June concert, barely a week after it was announced, came as the singer cited an “overwhelming number of messages and letters” she had received as having led to her decision.
Israel’s culture minister, Miri Regev, called on Lorde to reconsider and she was denounced by pro-Israel supporters on social media.
Lorde, 21, whose most recent album Melodrama was released this year, had engaged with critics on social media following her announcement of the tour date, announcing on Twitter that she had been taking advice on the complexities of the political situation and was “considering all options”.
Among those who had contacted her were fellow New Zealanders Nadia Abu-Shanab and Justine Sachs who wrote an open letter to the singer online asking her to cancel her Israel concert.
“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.”