Israel rolls out red carpet for Boy George: 'I'm getting more Jewish'

Israel's head of state received an unexpected visitor on Monday: Boy George. The flamboyant British singer, a Western pop icon known for his defiance of pro-Palestinian boycotts and outspoken support for Israel, made a rare appearance in the country for two concerts in Tel Aviv. Israel's president, Herzog, warmly welcomed the former Culture Club star to his Jerusalem office, expressing delight at having the musician in his company.

Boy George, clad in a black beret adorned with confetti, reciprocated the sentiment in Hebrew, declaring, "The people of Israel, we will dance again!" The singer's message of solidarity echoes the sentiments shared following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which resulted in the deadliest day in Israel's history. The militant group stormed from Gaza, with devastating consequences at the Nova music festival.

On Tuesday, Boy George will pay homage to the site of the attacks, symbolizing the enduring bond between the two nations. In July, he released a song titled "We Shall Dance Again," with lyrics that unabashedly endorse Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza. This move sparked controversy, leading to Boy George's withdrawal from a West End musical. The 65-year-old, whose real name is George O Dowd, has long professed a deep connection to the Jewish community that shaped his upbringing in London.

Despite the backlash, Boy George's visit to Israel serves as a rare instance of a major international pop star performing in the country since the ongoing Gaza war. Campaigners have urged a boycott of performances due to the conflict, which has left the majority of Gaza in ruins. The Israeli president's gesture of hospitality reflects a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing turmoil.