Jedward Cancel Israeli Concert In Flotilla Deaths Protest
Posted on | June 9, 2010
Pop stars John and Edward Grimes have pulled out of a concert in Israel due to what they descibed as “concerns over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.
The twin brothers, together known as ‘Jedward’, were due to perform later this summer in Tel Aviv, but have cancelled in the wake of last week’s attack on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
The Lucan natives, who came to prominence on Britain’s X-Factor talent show, claimed their decision was taken after an “intense period of moral contemplation” and that the nine flotilla killings were “the last straw”.
They were due to perform as part of the Heebapalooza pop music festival in August.
In October of last year Jedward took leave from the X-Factor boot camp to attend a lecture in Trinity College by US academic Noam Chomsky – despite the disapproval of Simon Cowell.
Their statement today said: “Performing in Israel in the current climate may be interpreted by some as a highly political act, symbolically speaking.
“For this reason we saw no other alternative than to cancel the upcoming event on the grounds of our deep opposition to the policies of the current Israeli government specifically regarding their treatment of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Territories and beyond.”
They also apologised to sponsors and event organisers, before going on to acknowledge the deep mutual affection between the be-quiffed brothers and their “loyal” Israeli fans.
“We would hope they understand that in making this gesture our quarrel is not with them but with IDF war criminals and their allies in the disgraced Netanyahu administration.
“We like to think there are many among our Israeli fan base who would share our disgust of the ultra-nationalist ideology of their country’s military and political elite.”
It is understood that soon after the concerts were announced the Grimes received a letter from Israeli human rights activist Dr. Daniel Ben Jeri urging them to join the artistic boycott of his country.
According to mother Susannah the boys were moved to some “serious soul-searching” after reading the letter, which was signed by dozens of prominent Israeli intellectuals.
Jedward’s decision has been broadly welcomed by fellow disposable celebrities in the media.
Actor star of reality soap Jordan Alex Reid believes the Grimes have done the right thing.
“The burgeoning campaign to initiate a boycott against Israeli – be it cultural, economic or otherwise – has received a tremendous boost today thanks to Jedward. I hope more famous-for-being-famous people are inspired to follow their lead.”
When asked if he was surprised by this move by the twins, ex-cagefighter replied:
“Not in the least. Since becoming acquainted with them, I’ve been struck by John and Edward’s integrity and thoughtfulness. Their dedication to the art of reality show performance is unmatched. So, no, not in the least.”
Manager Louis Walsh also gave his support: “I think it’s great! I really do. I believe if you want to have a long-term career in this business some sort of political ’cause’ is essential. Look what regular moralising did for Bob Geldof’s career – he lacks any discernible talent yet is still going strong.
“By backing the Gaza horse, the lads have given themselves an excellent chance of breaking the international market. It’s gonna be great!”
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