Welsh singer Charlotte Church has been threatened and accused of antisemitism after expressing her support for Palestine at events in Bedwas and London. Police are now involved for her safety as debates and criticism escalate amidst ongoing violence in the region.
Welsh singer Charlotte Church has come under scrutiny and received threats following her participation in pro-Palestine events. At a gathering in Bedwas, Caerphilly county, and a march in London, Church expressed her support for Palestine, which led to accusations of antisemitism, a claim she strongly denies. The singer led a chant interpreted by some as a call for the destruction of Israel, however, she clarified her intention was to advocate for Palestinian liberation and condemned the actions of Hamas.
Police have had to conduct safety checks for Church and her family due to the severity of the threats received. The artist has emphasised her respect for Judaism and refuted any support for violence against Israelis, drawing from her personal connections and experiences in the region. Her actions at the protests have ignited debate and attracted criticism, notably from the Campaign Against Antisemitism, which has called for investigations into her conduct.
Amid these events, a tragic update has been shared regarding Itay Chen, a 19-year-old US-Israeli serving in the IDF, who was confirmed killed in an assault by militants near the Gaza border on 7th October, after initial fears he had been taken hostage by Hamas. This attack is part of a broader conflict that has seen considerable loss of life: about 1,160 in Israel, primarily civilians, and a reported 31,184 in Gaza, with high numbers of women, children, and adolescents among the casualties. President Joe Biden has expressed condolences to Chen’s family and reaffirmed support for those still captive, highlighting the global concern over the escalating violence in the region.
