After coming under heat from a number of activist groups—including the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which flipped the Fugee's "Killing Me Softly" to be a protest-style song that includes the lines like killing me softly with your bombs—Lauryn Hill has cancelled an upcoming performance in Tel Aviv, Israel. In a note posted to Facebook, Hill explained that the decision was made when planning a corresponding concert in Ramallah, Palestine. "I've wanted very much to bring our live performance to this part of the world, but also to be a presence supporting justice and peace," she wrote. "It is very important to me that my presence or message not be misconstrued, or a source of alienation to either my Israeli or my Palestinian fans." Read her full message below.
Dear Friends and Fans in Israel,
When deciding to play the region, my intention was to perform in both Tel Aviv and Ramallah. Setting up a performance in the Palestinian Territory, at the same time as our show in Israel, proved to be a challenge. I've wanted very much to bring our live performance to this part of the world, but also to be a presence supporting justice and peace. It is very important to me that my presence or message not be misconstrued, or a source of alienation to either my Israeli or my Palestinian fans. For this reason, we have decided to cancel the upcoming performance in Israel, and seek a different strategy to bring my music to ALL of my fans in the region. May healing, equanimity, and the openness necessary for lasting resolution and reconciliation come to this region and its people.
Respectfully,
Ms. Lauryn Hill
Lead Image: Noam Galai/Getty
