Stevie Wonder Cancels Fundraiser Performance For Israel Due To War

Stevie’s not afraid to tell it like it is; even if it means getting some criticism for standing up for what he believes in. While he’s pulled out of the concert (which raises money for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces), some are questioning why he agreed to do it in the first place.

According to BBC News, Stevie released a statement explaining exactly why he was backing out:

…”I am and have always been against war, any war, anywhere.”

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is currently in place, after a week of violence in Gaza last month.

But tensions still run high. On Friday, Israel announced it would authorize the construction of 3,000 more housing units in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

The decision followed a UN General Assembly vote to upgrade the Palestinians’ status to non-member observer state.

Next week’s gala concert supports an organization which raises money for Israeli soldiers and their families.

Wonder said the United Nations (and other organizations) had recommended cancelling his performance because he is an official UN “Messenger of Peace”.

In his statement, the 62-year-old said he had made the decision with a heavy heart.

“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,” he added.

The musician said he would make contributions to charities that support Israeli and Palestinian children with disabilities.

While the FIDF organization is seemingly for a good cause, you’ve got to admit that seeing Stevie sing at a charity event raising money for Israeli anything would have left a bad taste in some of our mouths; even Former President Jimmy Carter has compared Israel’s actions to apartheid.

We’re glad he did what he thought was right and his new donation towards children with disabilities is for the better cause.

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