I’ve always been artistic; music was my bridge to others, especially when words just didn’t cut it. But recently, it feels like art is facing a real threat. Anti-Semitism in America has morphed into something monstrous, targeting not just Israel but also Jewish individuals in Hollywood and the music scene. Instead of promoting creativity, a lot of artists are distancing themselves, cancelling partnerships, and condemning entire nations. It’s really stifling the artistic spirit.
That’s why I chose to take a different path. Amid the conflict, I invested my resources and passion into a project that resonated deeply with me. My new single, “On My Mind,” reflects my feelings about Israel and the Jewish community. This wasn’t just a song for me; I filmed a music video on location in Israel, collaborating with remarkable Israeli talents like rapper Shahar Saul and singer Maya Dadon.
The backdrop wasn’t staged or digitally created—it was Israel, vibrant and alive.
For me, this endeavor was not merely about making music; it was about making a statement. In an entertainment industry increasingly filled with anti-Israel sentiment, calls for boycotts, and rampant misinformation, I chose to stand with those I admire and cherish in the only democracy in the Middle East, which holds a special place in my heart.
Now, before anyone rushes to shout “genocide” or launch into yet another diatribe against Jews, I present a simple challenge. Go take a visit. Witness it firsthand. Because here’s the reality: Israel is a tapestry of diversity.
It’s filled with Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Armenians, Ethiopians, and Bedouins—everyone living and working side by side. It’s not a singular culture; it’s a multitude. It’s not just one perspective; it’s filled with vigorous debates, discussions, and protests that can surpass anything I’ve experienced in the U.S. And that’s the beauty of it. Israel is complex because it’s vibrant. It’s dynamic. It’s free.
I want more people to grasp that Israel stands as the region’s sole democratic nation. It’s the only country where women can march freely, where LGBTQ rights are affirmed, where people can vote, challenge their leaders, and strive for a better society. The rule of law prevails over mere might.
As an artist, I refuse to silently watch the cultural landscape turn its back on Israel and the Jewish community. Remaining silent equates to complicity. To me, music transcends simple entertainment; it is also a message. Thus, “On My Mind” embodies more than a love song. It’s my proclamation. I’m asserting that I see what’s happening, and I won’t join the crowd that seeks to tear down rather than build up.
I recognize this stance might spark backlash. I’ve already faced criticism, being told to “stick to my lane” and keep politics out of music. But the essence of art is inherently political. It aims to express truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Artists from Bob Dylan to U2 and Kendrick Lamar have applied music as a voice. So why should advocating for Israel and Jews differ from opposing anti-Semitism?
What concerns me most about the rise of anti-Semitism today is how commonplace it has become. I’ve witnessed Jewish artists being shunned. Jewish students facing harassment. Institutions being attacked—and often, the cultural realm responds with indifference. That’s why I step forward. That’s why I chose to sing and film in Israel. Because Israel and the Jewish people are always on my mind.
I want my audience to recognize that this isn’t strictly a political issue. It pertains to humanity—standing up for those who built a nation from the ground after the Holocaust, who transformed deserts into innovation-laden landscapes, and who have contributed immensely to art, science, and medicine, despite their size. It’s about seeing beyond the fabrications and understanding that Israel is not the villain, but rather a nation striving to exist in a challenging environment.
To artists who hesitate, fearing the repercussions of working with Israelis, I say this: Art’s purpose is not to create divisions but to break them. We should aim to heal, not to separate. And if you allow anti-Semitism to dictate your art, then you’ve already betrayed it.
“On My Mind” is how I respond to this betrayal. It’s a way of saying I refuse to be intimidated. I will openly express my love for Israel, for the Jewish people, and I trust in music’s power to reveal truth.
And for those who have never visited Israel yet still proclaim “genocide,” I urge you—go see it for yourself. Let’s explore the towns together. Meet its people. Experience the diversity, resilience, and democracy that exists.
If we do that, perhaps we can foster understanding concerning Israel.
