Stevie Wonder Cancels Performance At Gala For Israel Defense Forces
CENTURY CITY (CBSLA.com) — Performer Stevie Wonder canceled his performance at an upcoming Friends of Israel Defense Forces event after pressure from some human rights organizations.
The Dec. 6 gala at the Hyatt Regency in Century City is touted as a "non-political" get together to support Israeli soldiers, their families, and the families of fallen soldiers.
In a statement to Reuters last Thursday, Wonder said, "Given the current and very delicate situation in the Middle East, and with a heart that has always cried out for world unity, I will not be performing at the FIDF Gala."
In a press release, FIDF officials said, "Representatives of the performer cited a recommendation from the United Nations to withdraw his participation given Wonder's involvement with the organization."
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon, FIDF's National Director and CEO, said, "We regret the fact that Stevie Wonder has decided to cancel his performance at an important community event…FIDF is a non-political organization that provides much-needed humanitarian support regardless of religion, political affiliation, or military activity."
According to the Jewish Journal, the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, a pro-Palestinian organization, was one group that led a movement to force Wonder to cancel his scheduled appearance.
