Charlotte Church, a singer from Wales, has refuted claims of being antisemitic following her participation in a concert that included the contentious pro-Palestinian chant “From the River to the Sea.”
Church was singing at the concert, which took place at the Bedwas Workmen’s Hall near Caerphilly, to raise money for the Middle East Children’s Alliance, an aid organisation that supports children in Gaza.
The vocalist conducted a group of roughly one hundred individuals in performing “From the River to the Sea,” a song that alludes to the territory situated between the Jordan River, which forms the border of eastern Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Detractors, such as the Campaign Against Antisemitism, argue that the lyrics are antisemitic as they advocate for the demolition of Israel.
On Monday’s Instagram Live, Church clarified that they are not anti-Semitic and are instead advocating for the freedom of all individuals regardless of religion or differences. They have a strong compassion for all faiths and diversity.
“It was a stunning and magnificent event. However, the individuals in charge were unable to tolerate it. They could not allow such a formidable representation of defiance, which we strived for on Saturday.”
Palestinian activists reject claims that the chant is anti-Semitic and argue that it instead promotes the rights of all Palestinians to freedom, equality, and justice.
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The Guardian’s account of the chant states that it can be interpreted in various ways, ranging from genocidal to democratic, since its emergence in the 1960s.
Church said: “Clearly, if you know the history of it all, [it is] not an antisemitic chant calling for the obliteration of Israel. It is not that in any way shape or form. It is calling for the peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians.”
She also mentioned that many other lovely songs were sung at the event, promoting liberation and freedom. These songs included ones from the South African anti-apartheid movement, where the lyrics were modified to fit the situation in Palestine.
The vocalist has openly discussed the conflict between Israel and Gaza on various online platforms, stating that she is emotionally affected by the ongoing news and footage from the area.
In 2022, Church informed the Observer that she frequently encounters disapproval when expressing her views on issues that hold significance for her, such as feminism, the environment, opposition to austerity, “or anything” at all.
She stated, “Every time I speak up, I face ridicule and am belittled. It would be simpler to comply and keep to myself, but that is not my purpose on this planet.”
Contact has been made with Charlotte Church’s representatives for a statement.
Source: theguardian.com
