Welsh-born singer Charlotte Church has defended herself against accusations of antisemitism after leading a 100-strong choir in singing the anti-Israel chant 'From the River to the Sea,
Palestine Will Be Free' at a recent concert.
Addressing the backlash on Instagram, Church clarified her intentions, asserting that she is "in no way antisemitic" and expressing her commitment to fighting for the liberation of all people. She emphasized her respect for all religions and differences, portraying the event as a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Church confirmed that the concert concluded with the chant "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," which has been criticized for advocating the destruction of Israel and the expulsion of its Jewish inhabitants.
The event, held at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall in Caerphilly county, aimed to raise funds for the Middle East Children’s Alliance, supporting children in Gaza. Alongside Palestine Solidarity Cymru and 100 singers, Church performed various songs promoting liberation and freedom, including adaptations of Arabic, Welsh, and South African songs from the anti-apartheid movement to reflect the situation in Palestine.
Responding to criticism from Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, who condemned the chant for its implications of expelling Jews from Israel, Church maintained that the chant does not advocate for the obliteration of Israel but rather calls for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
The controversy surrounding the concert highlights the complex and contentious nature of discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with artists like Church navigating delicate political and social issues in their activism. Photo by Keven Law from Los Angeles, USA, Wikimedia commons.
