Lorde invited to chat about Israel

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The Israeli ambassador to New Zealand Yitzhak Gerberg has invited music icon Lorde to meet with him to discuss Israel following the singer’s cancellation of her June concert in Tel Aviv.

Ambassador Yitzhak Gerberg

In the embassy’s Facebook page, the ambassador wrote:

“I the Ambassador of @IsraelinNZ invite LordeMusic to meet in person to discuss #israel and its role as the only #democracy in the Middle East. By succumbing to the hateful agenda of the few who support #BDS you encourage animosity in the region. Music should unite not divide. Reactions driven by hatred lead to continued #conflict. But solutions come from engagement and lead to compromise, co-operation, and #peace.”

Later he published an open letter saying:

“Dear Lorde,

It is regrettable that you have cancelled your concert in Tel Aviv and have disappointed all your fans in Israel.

Music is a wonderful language of tolerance and friendship, which brings people together. Your concert in Israel could have spread the message that solutions come from constructive engagement that leads to compromise and cooperation. Music should unite not divide and your performance in Israel could have contributed to the spirit of hope and peace in the Middle East.

Boycott and hate on the other hand, represents hostility and intolerance and I was sorry to see that you have succumbed to the supporters of a small fanatic group of BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanction) movement that denies the right of the State of Israel to exist and spreads hatred and animosity.

I invite you to meet me in person to discuss Israel, its achievements and its role as the only democracy in the Middle East.”

Promotion company Naranjah executive also posted on Facebook:   [Original in Hebrew with Facebook’s translation]