A-list actors, singers turn out for anti-Israel fundraising concert

Anti-Israel rhetoric abounded at “Together for Palestine” as speakers repeated false UN charges of genocide and famine in Gaza.

By Batya Jerenberg, World Israel News

British stars filled London’s biggest stadium Wednesday for a fundraising concert for Gaza, where accusations of genocide and famine dominated the evening.

Celebrities including Richard Gere, Joaquin Phoenix, Florence Pugh and Billie Eilish shared the stage with outspoken Israel critics such as UN Special Envoy for Palestine Francesca Albanese at the “Together for Palestine” concert at OVO Arena Wembley.

Benedict Cumberbatch was among several participants who recited Palestinian poetry. His selection was by renowned writer Mahmoud Darwish, known for glorifying terrorism in many of his works.

Gazan-born journalist Yara Eid, who has worked for Amnesty International—an organization accused of institutional bias against Israel—blamed the IDF for killing more than 250 journalists during the current conflict.

She did not note that Israel has identified many journalists as Hamas members, or that all reporters are forced to follow the terror organization’s propaganda line for their own safety.

During the four-hour event, both British and Palestinian musical groups and singers presented music ranging from jazz to folk to techno, both collaboratively and solo.

Pop star Paloma Faith appeared in a dress made from a keffiyeh, the Arab scarf commonly worn at pro-Palestinian protests worldwide.

The evening’s loudest cheer, according to The Guardian, was reserved for Swedish rapper Neneh Cherry, who sang her anti-racism hit “7 Seconds.”

Not everyone who addressed the sold-out arena was a celebrity.

Anti-Zionist, Jewish Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, 88, described by Jewish Voice for Labour as “a stalwart on the national marches for Palestine,” drew a long ovation from the Palestinian flag-waving crowd after his speech.

British musician and activist Brian Eno, who organized the concert, said he had wanted to hold the event for a year but no venue had agreed to host it until now.

“Things have changed,” he said. “Israel thought starving a whole population would be fine with everyone… I think that changed people’s minds.”

The UN recently issued a report officially declaring a famine in Gaza and blaming Israel, a claim Jerusalem has rejected as “false” and “inflammatory.”

According to IDF figures, Israel has allowed just under 200 million tons of aid into Gaza through its border crossings since the start of the war, in about 100,000 large trucks. Thousands more tons also have been airdropped into the Strip.

By 10 p.m., actress Jameela Jamil announced the fundraiser had reached $2 million through ticket sales, merchandise and online donations. The money is set to go to groups including the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Palestinian Medical Relief Society and Taawon, which runs orphan care programs in Gaza.