The Israeli ambassador to New Zealand has penned an open letter to Lorde, asking the Kiwi singer to meet and discuss the recent cancellation of a contentious gig in Tel Aviv.
Taking to Facebook yesterday, Itzhak Gerberg addressed Lorde’s decision to call off the June 2018 show, criticising the actions of a pro-Palestinian campaign allegedly involved in her decision.
“Music is a wonderful language of tolerance and friendship, which brings people together. Your concert in Israel could have spread the message that
solutions come from constructive engagement that leads to compromise and cooperation,” Gerberg said.
“Music should unite not divide and your performance in Israel could have contributed to the spirit of hope and peace in the Middle East.”
The letter comes after a period of criticism of Lorde for agreeing to perform in Israel, which continues to effectively occupy contested territory in the region.
For Kiwi outlet The Spinoff, Nadia Abu-Shanab and Justine Sachs urged Lorde to call off the show, saying “a performance in Israel sends the wrong message.
“Playing in Tel Aviv will be seen as giving support to the policies of the Israeli government, even if you make no comment on the political situation. Such an effect cannot be undone by even the best intention and the best music.”
Responding to that piece last Thursday, Lorde said she had “been speaking w many people about this and considering all options.”
https://twitter.com/lorde/status/943677206558994432
Itzhak said her decision was provoked by the Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) movement, which aims to use non-violent means to contest the Israeli government’s stance on the contested territories.
Other high-profile artists have also faced criticism for performing in Tel Aviv. In July, Radiohead sustained intense scrutiny for their show in the Israeli capital, with frontman Thom Yorke saying “playing in a country isn’t the same as endorsing its government.”
— Thom Yorke (@thomyorke) July 11, 2017
It is currently unclear if Lorde has accepted Itzhak’s invitation to meet to discuss the issue, but you can read his full letter below.
