He is known as the ultimate rebel of rock ‘n roll, and since he burst onto the scene with the Culture Club in the ‘80s, Boy George has rarely been out of the headlines. So why is it so surprising to many that the iconic singer would stand up and publicly declare his solidarity with the Jewish community?
After the Golders Green attack where a knifeman went on a savage rampage and stabbed innocent Jews, Boy George is speaking out louder and prouder than ever before.
Since the atrocities of October 7, the plight of Jewish people and the way they have been treated on their own soil have been brought to the forefront of everyone’s minds. So, if like myself, you knew very little about the extent of the hate aimed at a group of people because of their faith before October 7, you do now. Boy George has proudly stated he has Jewish friends, so why wouldn’t he support them – and I feel the same.
“I don’t want to be thanked for what is right,” was one of the key messages he put out in a statement on social media before the antisemitism rally at 10 Downing Street last weekend – a sentiment that resonates with me too.
He said, “It’s going to be such a beautiful, powerful event, not only full of amazing Jewish people, but also people who support their Jewish friends. People like me, who keep being thanked for speaking up for Jewish people.
“I don’t want to be thanked for doing what is right. I have so many beautiful Jewish friends, and I know some of you will be there today. But even if I don’t know you, I send you my love and I hope today sends a powerful message to the entire world.”
Boy George certainly isn’t the first non-Jewish person to stand up for Jews who are being persecuted today – and he won’t be the last as more and more people are stepping out from the shadows to celebrate one of the oldest and most cherished communities in the world.
In the same vein people are also surprised to see black people standing by their Jewish friends. As it happens, marginalised groups often forge a common bond through shared experiences of racism.
Martin Luther King was someone who openly praised the Jewish community. During a speech in 1967, the legendary activist said, “The whole world must see that Israel exists and has a right to exist and is one of the greatest outposts of democracy in the world.”
Boy George has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Usher, and Floyd Mayweather to stand with his Jewish brothers and sisters, often against the expectations of their followers, but for good reason.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has been campaigning for the safety of Jewish people in Britain at every opportunity. Speaking at the march last weekend, she said:
“Why am I here? Many of you will know that I’m not Jewish. You might have noticed.
But I am here because I made a promise. I promised that I would stand with you.
I promised that I would lead from the front.
I promised that I would do everything I could to let you know that you are not alone and that Britain stands with you.
All of us standing know why we are here.
We know why we are here. We know what is happening in our country. But this is personal for me.
Today is not the first day that I am speaking about antisemitism.
And let’s call it what it is, the hatred of Jews.”
Celebrities around the world are now using their platforms to highlight their support for Jewish people in this impossible climate. Grammy-winning singer Usher posted “I stand with Israel” following the horrific attacks at the Nova festival in 2023.
He even once said his “dream vacation” would be Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile legendary world champion boxer Floyd Mayweather has pledged to “always be a voice to the people of Israel” in the fight against antisemitism.
He may be a tough guy in the ring, but he has shown his compassionate side by personally visiting Israel and Jewish institutions since 2023.
The champ wrote on Instagram when he arrived at Ben Gurion Airport, “There’s nothing like returning to such warmth and hospitality! A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful team at Ben Gurion Airport for the welcome back…It feels like home away from home!”
“Actions speak louder than words, and I’m here to support in every way I can. Here’s to another great journey together.”
His gestures did not go unnoticed by the Jewish community.
He was honoured in Jerusalem with the Champion for Israel award, which he received at the Dan Family Aish World Center for his advocacy against antisemitism and hate.
The star has dug deep and used his private plane to deliver essential medical supplies to the nation. He has met soldiers, rescue workers, and civilians, showing solidarity with those affected by the ongoing situation.
Let us hope the kindness and philanthropy of stars like these will encourage the silent majority to unmute themselves and speak out against these atrocities against innocent people.
Sarah Tetteh is an award-winning journalist and presenter
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