Yesterday, Alex Kane reported on an anonymously sourced story from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency saying Stevie Wonder was set to pull out of a December 6 fundraiser for the Friends of the Israeli Defense Force (FIDF). The story has now been confirmed in a press release issued by the FIDF:
Representatives of the performer cited a recommendation from the United Nations to withdraw his participation given Wonder’s involvement with the organization. FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon: ‘we regret the fact that Stevie Wonder has decided to cancel his performance at an important community event of the FIDF, an American organization supporting the educational, cultural, and wellbeing needs of Israel’s soldiers, their families, and the families of fallen soldiers. FIDF is a non-political organization that provides much-needed humanitarian support regardless of religion, political affiliation, or military activity.’”
The fundraiser is being sponsored by Haim and Cheryl Saban. Seinfeld actor, and One Voice supporter, Jason Alexander will emcee.
The US Campaign to End the Occupation and US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel are asking people to thank Wonder for his decision. The text of their letter reads:
Dear Stevie Wonder,
As a diverse group of people of conscience and organizations around the world, it is with great joy that we applaud your decision to cancel your performance for the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF) annual gala fundraiser.
With this principled move on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, you have been true to your title as a UN Messenger of Peace, for it is only through justice for the Palestinians that peace can finally be realized. By signaling your belief in accountability of the IDF for its ongoing abuses of the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people, your decision gives hope to those around the world who support freedom, justice, and equality, particularly following the latest Israeli brutal aggression in the occupied and besieged Gaza Strip.
Thank you, Stevie Wonder, for standing on the right side of history.
You can add your thanks here.
”FIDF is a non-political organization that provides much-needed humanitarian support regardless of religion, political affiliation, or military activity.”
That is so breathtakingly ridiculous I’m lost for words – a rare occurrence for me!
stevie wonder should no more support an idf fundraiser than he would a kkk fundraiser. surely he knows this, but if for whatever reason he doesn’t, i offer him the following equation; apartheid, israeli style = apartheid, south african style = jim crow.
Thanks, mr Stevie Wonder. You music sounds great again, even greater.
And go on iTunes and buy a bunch of his songs.
Great news!