Sam Smith cancels Israel concert amid pressure from Palestinian BDS activists
Luke Gentile
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Singer–songwriter Sam Smith announced there would no longer be a performance at Tel Aviv’s Park Hayarkon later this month after receiving pressure from pro-Palestinian groups.
The cancellation is the product of “unforeseen technical and logistical problems on May 31,” the production company responsible for Smith’s performance at the “Summer in the City Festival” said, according to a report.
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Prior to the cancellation announcement, the artist was on the receiving end of heavy pressure from pro-Palestinian groups, including the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, to not perform in Israel.
The hashtag #SamDontGo went viral on social media, along with many tweets demanding that Smith not perform.
“As a Sam Smith fan, I’m joining Palestinians, fellow Jews, LGBTQIA+ and all human rights defenders in asking @samsmith to choose the right side of history and not pinkwash Israeli apartheid by performing in Tel Aviv. #SamDontGo,” one commentator tweeted.
A petition calling on Smith to reconsider the concert in Tel Aviv received over 11,000 signatures, a report noted.
“We were disappointed to hear that you plan to perform in Tel Aviv as part of the festival and we ask you to reconsider. When you perform in Israel, you risk condoning the daily violence and oppression against the Palestinian people,” the petition read.
“11,000+ are calling on @samsmith to cancel their gig in apartheid Israel and stand in solidarity with Palestinian queers and all Palestinians fighting for their human rights and dignity,” the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel tweeted.
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In the wake of Smith’s cancellation, many pro-Israel supporters have condemned the singer’s decision.
“Sam Smith, it’s a shame you give in to the lies of an anti-Israeli campaign. I really hope that no one in Israel will listen to your music again. Those who boycott us should be boycotted back!” one user tweeted.