Photo: WENN
Lauryn Hill has cancelled a forthcoming show in Israel due to pressure from human rights campaigners, and after plans to perform in Palestinian territory proved unsuccessful.
The singer was scheduled to perform just outside Tel Aviv on 7 May. A petition by End The Occupation asking the singer to boycott Israel over its aggressive occupation of Palestine received over 11,000 signatures.
In an open letter to Hill, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) wrote, "As you yourself so eloquently sing, 'Black Rage is founded on blatant denial… deafening silence and social control.' Please do not perpetuate the silence and the wall of denial that stops the world from seeing the daily realities of degradation, racial terror, land theft, ethnic cleansing that we Palestinians are struggling against, and similarly prevent people from acknowledging the racist exclusion and repression that African asylum seekers are resisting."
In an announcement on her Facebook page, Hill wrote, "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."
She continued, "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."
Meanwhile, Hill recently recorded a brilliant acoustic version of 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' for Nigerian fans after being unable to make it to a gig in the country. Watch it below.
Watch Lauryn Hill perform 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' below
