On 24 October, the American gospel singer Israel Houghton plans to perform in Jakarta with his band, Israel & New Breed. Reports say tickets are still on sale. Indonesians must not buy them. Anyone who fills that hall is giving a public welcome to a man who stood with Israel while Gaza burned. We must refuse to attend, refuse to applaud, and refuse to stay silent.

A note first, because the name confuses many people. “Israel” is the singer’s first name, and he is American. His name is not the problem. His public words are. In October 2023, he posted “I stand with Israel” beside a flag. The reports I found quote that post. None quote him speaking up for the people of Gaza, not once. He took a side, and he took it loudly. He cannot now ask Indonesians to pretend they did not hear him.

A concert is a public stage. It gives fame, money and a warm welcome to the person on it, and a welcome is a message. When thousands of Indonesians buy tickets and cheer, we tell him that his stand costs him nothing here.

A concert is a public stage. It gives fame, money and a warm welcome to the person on it, and a welcome is a message. When thousands of Indonesians buy tickets and cheer, we tell him that his stand costs him nothing........

© Middle East Monitor