Singer responds to open letter asking her not to play in Tel Aviv as a protest against Israel’s occupation of Palestine

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Pop star Lorde is considering cancelling a planned concert in Israel after facing intense pressure from fans, especially in her home country of New Zealand.

The 21-year-old singer has responded to criticism and an open letter asking her not to play in Tel Aviv as a sign of protest against Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

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The singer responded to fans on Twitter on Thursday night, saying she was taking advice on the complexities of the political situation and was “considering all options”.

“Noted!,” Lorde wrote.

“Been speaking w many people about this and considering all options. Thank u for educating me i am learning all the time too”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tweet reply from Lorde re: planned concert in Tel Aviv. Photograph: twitter, Lorde

On Thursday, New Zealanders Nadia Abu-Shanab and Justine Sachs penned an open letter to the star on local website the spinoff, asking her to cancel her Israel concert, which is scheduled to take place on 5 June next year.

“Dear Lorde ... we’re two young women based in Aotearoa, one Jewish, one Palestinian,” the women wrote.

“Today, millions of people stand opposed to the Israeli government’s policies of oppression, ethnic cleansing, human rights violations, occupation and apartheid. As part of this struggle, we believe that an economic, intellectual and artistic boycott is an effective way of speaking out against these crimes. This worked very effectively against apartheid in South Africa, and we hope it can work again.”

“We can play an important role in challenging injustice today. We urge you to act in the spirit of progressive New Zealanders who came before you and continue their legacy.”

Since announcing her tour dates and destinations on 18 December Lorde has faced criticism from swathes of fans about her decision to perform in Tel Aviv, although many others have supported her and said politics should not impinge on the world of art and music.

justice (@Newjersey1987) Don't play in Tel Aviv while they have the Palestinians under a brutal occupation! Very disappointed in you! Boycott Israel!

liquor-wet kiwi 🍸🥝 (@psychoehigh) She's doing this for the fans, please leave politics out of this thankyou 💕

Artists who have participated in the cultural boycott of Israel through the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement include Brian Eno and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters (who is a member); writers Arundhati Roy and Eduardo Galeano; and film-maker Ken Loach.

The movement – launched in 2005 as a non-violent campaign to press Israel to heed international law and end its occupation of territory held since the 1967 war – has gathered momentum in recent years even if its economic impact remains negligible.

Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the BDS, said: “Inspired by the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa, BDS expects and appeals to conscientious artists to refrain from performing in Israel or participating in events that are sponsored by Israel or by entities that are complicit in Israel’s egregious human rights violations until it meets its obligations under international law.”

After Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel this month, 100 artists including Tilda Swinton, Mark Ruffalo and Julie Christie signed an open letter in the Guardian condemning the move.

Lorde’s management team were contacted for comment.