Boy George (Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
British pop singer Boy George arrived in Israel on Saturday for two concerts in Tel Aviv, defying threats, boycott calls, and fierce criticism over his outspoken support for the Jewish state following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist massacre.
The Culture Club frontman was welcomed at the airport and said his visit was intended to show solidarity with Israelis and the Jewish community, The Times of Israel reported.
“I am here with you — out of love, out of a belief in peace and out of a desire for us to dance, live and celebrate together again,” Boy George said.
“I have many Jewish friends who are wonderful people, and I want to tell the world how wonderful they are. I felt I had to speak up and tell everyone your story.”
The 65-year-old singer was greeted by Live Nation Israel promoter Guy Besser and Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel, who thanked him for standing with Israel during a difficult period.
Boy George has faced threats, harassment, accusations of fascism, and professional isolation over his support for Israel. He previously said he struggled to find musicians willing to accompany him for the performances.
Despite the backlash, the singer pressed ahead with the concerts, scheduled for Wednesday and Satuday at Tel Aviv’s Menora Mivtachim Arena.
His visit carries particular significance for survivors of the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre at the Nova music festival, where hundreds of people were killed and dozens were taken hostage three years ago.
Boy George wrote “We Will Dance Again” after visiting a London exhibition documenting the atrocities at the festival. The song’s title reflects a message of resilience embraced by survivors.
“I think, in a way, the song says everything I wanted to say,” he said.
Boy George said conversations with longtime Jewish friends in Britain prompted him to speak out about the fear and hostility they experienced after the Hamas attacks.
“It’s insane that they’re feeling so unsafe, powerless, and frightened, and I just felt like I needed to say something,” he said.
Wednesday’s concert will feature Israeli singer Ivri Lider, while Saturday’s performance will honor Nova survivors and families of victims, with Israeli DJ Ofer Nissim joining the show.
Adams, the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, and Live Nation Israel have donated 1,500 tickets to Nova attack survivors and families of victims.
Boy George is also scheduled to visit the Nova festival massacre site on Tuesday, accompanied by survivor and former Hamas hostage Omer Shem Tov and representatives of the Nova community.
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