Lauryn Hill announced Monday that she would no longer make a tour stop in Tel Aviv, Israel after her concert in the Palestinian city of Ramallah fell through.
Hill announced her decision to cancel the leg of her tour in the region in its entirely in a Facebook post.
“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,” Hill wrote. “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,” Hill added. “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.”
Due to the ongoing conflicts in the region, many musicians before Hill have abandoned the idea of playing in Israel altogether. Elvis Costello and Annie Lennox, following Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters’ boycott, have pledged not to play in the country until there is progress in regard to the territorial issues with Palestinians. Others have canceled scheduled shows.
Sasha Gelzin, who works with the U.S. Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, praised Hill’s decision in a statement.
“It is incredible to see Ms. Hill respond so positively to our grassroots campaign,” read Gelzin’s statement. “Many engaged with social justice movements in the United States adore her music, since she speaks powerfully to oppression and injustice. When connections are being made by people in the streets between struggles here and in Palestine, like in Baltimore and Ferguson, we are so grateful that Ms. Hill is making those connections too.”
Hill’s tour will pick up again in July in France before moving on to Italy.
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