Macklemore's Palestine Fundraiser Features Anti-Israel Chants, Celebrity Support

A fundraising concert for Palestinians held by American rapper Macklemore in Dublin on Monday has drawn criticism for anti-Israel and anti-Zionist chants during a performance by the group Kneecap. The event featured prominent artists and a video message of support from actor Mark Ruffalo.

Other notable participants included Irish singer Hozier, Palestinian singer Lina Makhoul, and the Northern Irish hip-hop group Kneecap. Hollywood stars like actress Ilana Glazer and musician Julian Casablancas also sent video messages of support.

During Kneecap's guest performance, the crowd was heard chanting "Fuck Israel" and "Fuck Zionism." Macklemore, who has become a vocal critic of Israel in the music industry, addressed the controversy surrounding the phrase "Free Palestine." He stated that while the words might seem threatening to some, their underlying message is one of love, freedom, and humanity.

The tour, which includes upcoming shows in Paris and London, aims to raise funds for various Palestinian organizations, including humanitarian aid and political groups. In the UK, the concert is already controversial, with politicians and Jewish organizations criticizing the inclusion of the Palestinian Youth Movement among the beneficiaries, as its UK branch has been linked to reports justifying the October 7th kidnappings.

This Dublin event follows a previous controversy for Macklemore, which led to his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour. Macklemore had used his opening slots to criticize Israel, display graphic images from the Gaza war, and perform his anti-Israel song "Hind's Hall." This led stadium owners, including Jewish billionaire Robert Kraft, to ban him from performing, sparking a public debate within the music industry.