For a lifetime, music has been my voice, a bridge to connect with others when words fail. But a disturbing trend has emerged, a shadow falling over the very art I cherish. A wave of antisemitism is sweeping across America, manifesting in a chilling boycott culture targeting Israel and the Jewish people.
Instead of fostering creativity and understanding, I’ve witnessed artists severing ties, canceling collaborations, and demonizing an entire nation. This stifles artistic expression, suffocating the oxygen from a world that desperately needs connection. It compelled me to respond, to actively choose a different path.
I decided to invest in a project born from conviction, a song called “On My Mind.” It’s a direct expression of my feelings for Israel and the Jewish people. But it wasn’t enough to simply write the lyrics; I needed to immerse myself in the heart of the story.
The music video wasn’t filmed on a soundstage, but in Israel itself – a land brimming with life, beauty, and a raw, undeniable energy. I collaborated with two incredibly talented Israeli artists, Shahar Saul and Maya Dadon, forging a connection through shared passion and purpose.
This wasn’t merely about making music; it was about taking a stand. While many in entertainment rush to condemn Israel, I chose to align myself with the only true democracy in the Middle East, a place I deeply admire. I wanted to experience the truth firsthand, beyond the headlines and accusations.
To those quick to label or condemn, I offer a simple invitation: visit Israel. See it with your own eyes. Because the reality is far more complex than any narrative you’ve been told. It’s a nation of breathtaking diversity, a vibrant tapestry woven with Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, Armenian, Ethiopian, and Bedouin communities.
Israel isn’t a monolith; it’s a kaleidoscope of cultures, ideologies, and perspectives. It’s a place of passionate debate, lively protests, and constant evolution. This very messiness is a testament to its vitality, its freedom, and its unwavering spirit.
It’s the only place in the region where women can march without fear, where LGBTQ+ rights are protected, and where citizens can freely vote, criticize their leaders, and strive for a better future. The rule of law prevails, a beacon of hope in a turbulent world. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and my music is my declaration.
“On My Mind” isn’t just a song; it’s a refusal to be part of a destructive mob. I anticipate criticism, and I’ve already received it. I’ve been told to stay in my lane, to separate art from politics. But art *is* inherently political. It’s always been a vehicle for truth, for speaking out against injustice.
From Bob Dylan to U2 to Kendrick Lamar, music has consistently challenged the status quo. Why should standing with Israel, supporting the Jewish people, and opposing antisemitism be any different? What truly frightens me is the normalization of hatred, the casual acceptance of antisemitism in our culture.
Jewish artists are being blacklisted, students harassed, and institutions vandalized, often met with indifference. I refuse to stand by and watch. That’s why I chose to stand *in* Israel, to sing *in* Israel, to film *in* Israel. The Jewish people and the fate of Israel are constantly on my mind.
This isn’t about politics; it’s about humanity. It’s about recognizing the incredible resilience of a people who, after enduring the horrors of the Holocaust, rebuilt a homeland from the desert, transforming it into a hub of innovation and contributing immeasurably to art, science, and medicine.
It’s about seeing beyond the lies and acknowledging that Israel isn’t a villain, but a nation fighting for its very survival. To those artists who hesitate, who fear backlash, I say this: art should build bridges, not walls. It should heal, not divide. Allowing antisemitism to dictate your art is a betrayal of its very essence.
“On My Mind” is my response to that betrayal, my refusal to be silenced or intimidated. I love Israel, I love the Jewish people, and I believe in the power of music to reveal the truth. And to those who carelessly shout “genocide” without ever experiencing Israel firsthand, I repeat my challenge: go. See it for yourself.
Walk the streets, meet the people, and witness the diversity, resilience, and democracy that define this remarkable nation. Perhaps then, Israel will be on your mind too.
