can barely believe the news! After being lobbied by thousands of fans, Ms. Lauryn Hill — one of the best known hip-hop and R&B superstars in the world — announced just minutes ago that she’s cancelling her concert in Israel.
She heeded the call of the millions of us who don’t want artists to play in a country where Palestinians have lived as refugees, or under military occupation for almost 50 years. The Israeli government wants artists to perform in Israel, as though it’s just another normal country – but Israel’s decades of violating the rights of Palestinians is anything but normal.
I can promise you, the backlash against her is going to be fierce. If we loudly let Ms. Lauryn Hill know we have her back, other artists will show the same courage. We can help turn this historic moment into a tipping point.
10 years ago, Palestinian civil society issued the call for Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), and created a movement that has spread like wildfire. Together, we’re putting pressure on Israel to follow the law, so that where international talks have failed, BDS can succeed.
Whether speaking out against police brutality, or lending her voice to the movement for refugee justice, Ms. Lauryn Hill never shies away from standing up for people facing oppression around the world. She’s taken a brave stand against the occupation of Palestine, and for peace and justice. Stand with her — thank Ms. Lauryn Hill for cancelling her concert in Israel.
Our time is now. Our movement is growing. Thank you for being part of it.