DJ Khaled Faces Backlash Over Photo With Israeli Jeweler

American producer and DJ DJ Khaled is facing significant criticism on social media after a photograph surfaced showing him with Israeli jeweler Avi Hiyav. The image, which shows the two men displaying luxury watches, was widely shared by pro-Palestinian accounts on X and Instagram, sparking hostile reactions.

DJ Khaled, whose parents are of Palestinian origin, has maintained a public silence regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the past three years, a stance that has previously drawn criticism. Following the recent photo's release, some social media users accused him of abandoning Palestinians, with one commenter stating, "Your people are being destroyed and this is your response." Another called him a "shame for Palestinians."

The artist has also been called out by figures within the American hip-hop community. Notably, Canadian rapper Drake, in his album ICEMAN, criticized DJ Khaled for not calling for the "liberation of Palestine," despite Drake himself signing a ceasefire petition in October 2023.

DJ Khaled has consistently avoided taking a definitive stance on the conflict. When approached by a videographer asking him to say "Free Palestine," he responded with a general statement of "Peace and love to everyone."