What Does “Free Palestine” Really Mean?
CCFP STATEMENT: Shawn Mendes says he has been educating himself about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, his recent statement suggests that his education has been deeply biased and one-sided.
By accusing Israel of genocide, Shawn is repeating a dangerous lie propagated by Hamas and rooted in Soviet-era propaganda. Recently, Creative Community for Peace released an open letter signed by more than 6,000 leaders and public figures rejecting this accusation and warning of its role in fueling antisemitism worldwide.
Words matter. Especially when they come from an artist with nearly 70 million followers on social media.
Extremist accusations against Israel do not exist in a vacuum. Anti-Jewish hatred has surged around the world, fueled in part by these false and inflammatory charges. When influential artists amplify these accusations to millions of followers, they lend them credibility and help create an environment in which Jews are increasingly vilified, harassed, and targeted.
We do not question Shawn’s compassion for Palestinian civilians or his desire to alleviate their suffering. But compassion without context is not education. Amplifying a narrative without understanding its origins, including the role of Hamas and its disinformation campaign, is irresponsible.
If Shawn is genuinely committed to educating himself, we encourage him to engage with Israelis, Palestinians, Jewish voices, and credible sources across the spectrum, rather than relying solely on those who reinforce what he already believes or belong to the anti-Israel movement.
The entertainment community has an enormous capacity to promote understanding. It also has a responsibility to avoid amplifying misinformation and rhetoric that can fuel hatred. Having a public platform does not make someone an authority, and good intentions do not excuse misinformation.
Speaking up takes courage. Taking the time to understand what you’re speaking about takes responsibility.
We hope Shawn Mendes will do both. We welcome the opportunity to engage with him, broaden his understanding of the conflict, and explore how he can use his platform to effect positive change.
CCFP STATEMENT: Shawn Mendes says he has been educating himself about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, his recent statement suggests that his education has been deeply biased and one-sided.
By accusing Israel of genocide, Shawn is repeating a dangerous lie propagated by Hamas and rooted in Soviet-era propaganda. Recently, Creative Community for Peace released an open letter signed by more than 6,000 leaders and public figures rejecting this accusation and warning of its role in fueling antisemitism worldwide.
Words matter. Especially when they come from an artist with nearly 70 million followers on social media.
Extremist accusations against Israel do not exist in a vacuum. Anti-Jewish hatred has surged around the world, fueled in part by these false and inflammatory charges. When influential artists amplify these accusations to millions of followers, they lend them credibility and help create an environment in which Jews are increasingly vilified, harassed, and targeted.
We do not question Shawn’s compassion for Palestinian civilians or his desire to alleviate their suffering. But compassion without context is not education. Amplifying a narrative without understanding its origins, including the role of Hamas and its disinformation campaign, is irresponsible.
If Shawn is genuinely committed to educating himself, we encourage him to engage with Israelis, Palestinians, Jewish voices, and credible sources across the spectrum, rather than relying solely on those who reinforce what he already believes or belong to the anti-Israel movement.
The entertainment community has an enormous capacity to promote understanding. It also has a responsibility to avoid amplifying misinformation and rhetoric that can fuel hatred. Having a public platform does not make someone an authority, and good intentions do not excuse misinformation.
Speaking up takes courage. Taking the time to understand what you’re speaking about takes responsibility.
We hope Shawn Mendes will do both. We welcome the opportunity to engage with him, broaden his understanding of the conflict, and explore how he can use his platform to effect positive change.
Watching Miss Israel and Miss Ukraine at the Miss Universe competition like this brings us so much joy.
They may represent two nations deeply affected by conflict, but in the end, they show up proudly to represent their countries, celebrate their identities, and remind the world that even in the darkest of times, beauty, unity, and national pride can shine through.
Watching Miss Israel and Miss Ukraine at the Miss Universe competition like this brings us so much joy.
They may represent two nations deeply affected by conflict, but in the end, they show up proudly to represent their countries, celebrate their identities, and remind the world that even in the darkest of times, beauty, unity, and national pride can shine through.
Last month, more than 600 artists and entertainment industry leaders gathered for our 8th annual Ambassadors of Peace Gala, an extraordinary evening celebrating some of the entertainment industry’s most influential voices and their commitment to confronting hate.
TheWrap led its coverage with rock legend and honoree Gene Simmons, who delivered an unequivocal message: This is no time to sit on the sidelines.
“Hate spreads like a cancer, and we must stop the hatred now,” Simmons said. “And we cannot be passive about it.”
Last month, more than 600 artists and entertainment industry leaders gathered for our 8th annual Ambassadors of Peace Gala, an extraordinary evening celebrating some of the entertainment industry’s most influential voices and their commitment to confronting hate.
TheWrap led its coverage with rock legend and honoree Gene Simmons, who delivered an unequivocal message: This is no time to sit on the sidelines.
“Hate spreads like a cancer, and we must stop the hatred now,” Simmons said. “And we cannot be passive about it.”
A joyful Hebrew shout on a Major League Soccer broadcast. ⚽️
After Israeli player Liel Abada scored, the commentator switched to Hebrew: “Kol hakavod, Liel Abada!” (“Well done, Liel Abada!”)
Moments like this show how sports, language and culture can bring people closer. <3
A joyful Hebrew shout on a Major League Soccer broadcast. ⚽️
After Israeli player Liel Abada scored, the commentator switched to Hebrew: “Kol hakavod, Liel Abada!” (“Well done, Liel Abada!”)
Moments like this show how sports, language and culture can bring people closer. <3
A beautiful moment in Tel Aviv this week as former hostage Omer Shem Tov walks the runway at Israel Canada Fashion Week.
Omer was abducted by Hamas terrorists from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and released after 505 days in captivity.
Watching him reclaim his life is a testament to his resilience and the strength to move forward with hope.
A beautiful moment in Tel Aviv this week as former hostage Omer Shem Tov walks the runway at Israel Canada Fashion Week.
Omer was abducted by Hamas terrorists from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and released after 505 days in captivity.
Watching him reclaim his life is a testament to his resilience and the strength to move forward with hope.
Israel is already leading the race for Eurovision 2027!
Despite years of boycott campaigns and pressure to exclude Israel from the competition, the country has emerged as the early favorite to win next year’s contest in Bulgaria, according to betting odds released by Novibet.
With four consecutive top-five finishes since 2023, Israel continues to make its mark on the Eurovision stage. Sweden and Italy follow in the early rankings, although no competing songs have been released yet.
Israel is already leading the race for Eurovision 2027!
Despite years of boycott campaigns and pressure to exclude Israel from the competition, the country has emerged as the early favorite to win next year’s contest in Bulgaria, according to betting odds released by Novibet.
With four consecutive top-five finishes since 2023, Israel continues to make its mark on the Eurovision stage. Sweden and Italy follow in the early rankings, although no competing songs have been released yet.
Years of pressure to boycott Israeli artists haven’t stopped Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood from returning to Israel and performing alongside Israeli musician Dudu Tassa.
The duo opened the 27th Jerusalem International Oud Festival with two sold-out performances of their collaborative album Jarak Qaribak, joined by 17 musicians from different backgrounds, including Israel and Iraq.
Despite his criticism of Israeli government policies, Greenwood continues to collaborate with Israeli artists rather than cutting cultural ties. As Tassa celebrated bringing together “friends from Israel, Baghdad, and England,” the performances offered a powerful example of artistic collaboration continuing despite political divisions.
Years of pressure to boycott Israeli artists haven’t stopped Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood from returning to Israel and performing alongside Israeli musician Dudu Tassa.
The duo opened the 27th Jerusalem International Oud Festival with two sold-out performances of their collaborative album Jarak Qaribak, joined by 17 musicians from different backgrounds, including Israel and Iraq.
Despite his criticism of Israeli government policies, Greenwood continues to collaborate with Israeli artists rather than cutting cultural ties. As Tassa celebrated bringing together “friends from Israel, Baghdad, and England,” the performances offered a powerful example of artistic collaboration continuing despite political divisions.
In a beautiful tribute, Boy George brings Nova survivors and grieving families on stage at his second performance in Tel Aviv.
Together the group sang along to Boy George’s ”We Will Dance Again”, in memory of those murdered in the October 7 massacre.
Video: N12
In a beautiful tribute, Boy George brings Nova survivors and grieving families on stage at his second performance in Tel Aviv.
Together the group sang along to Boy George’s ”We Will Dance Again”, in memory of those murdered in the October 7 massacre.
Video: N12
