Russian-Israeli Rapper Waves Israeli Flag in Spain Amidst Anti-Israel Sentiment

Russian-Israeli rapper Alisher Morgenstern, who has achieved international fame and amassed millions, recently displayed an Israeli flag during a concert in Valencia, Spain. This act of support comes at a time when global antisemitism is rising and some countries, including Spain, have taken steps to boycott Israel in international events, such as the Eurovision Song Contest. Spain's public broadcaster announced its withdrawal from Eurovision in December 2025 after the European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel's participation, and the country notably abstained from broadcasting the event due to criticism over Israel's actions in Gaza.

Morgenstern, who was born in Russia and immigrated to Israel in 2022 under the Law of Return due to his Jewish maternal grandfather, has been increasingly embracing his Jewish heritage. He has been studying Hebrew and Torah, and in June, he completed his conversion to Judaism, adopting the Hebrew name Israel Yehuda. He told his audience in Valencia that he does not engage in politics but chose to display the flag in a country that "hates Israel," adding that "even in the darkest place, you can find light."

Financially, Morgenstern is a highly successful artist. Forbes estimated his earnings between June 2020 and May 2021 at approximately $7.4 million. He has leveraged his online popularity into a global career with millions of fans and extensive touring.

He is scheduled to perform in Israel as part of his world tour, with concerts planned for October 27 at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv and October 28 at the Romema Hall in Haifa. Ticket prices for these shows range from approximately 386 to 1,405 shekels. The article also notes other international celebrities showing interest in Judaism, such as Madonna and Sydney Sweeney.