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Charlotte Church told to 'hang her head in shame' for singing 'from the river to the sea' at pro-Palestine concert as Welsh singer sparks fury for leading chorus of 'genocide' song

Charlotte Church told to 'hang her head in shame' for singing 'from the river to the sea' at pro-Palestine concert as Welsh singer sparks fury for leading chorus of 'genocide' song
Welsh singer Charlotte Church faced intense criticism in February 2024 for leading a choir in a rendition of the pro-Palestinian chant "From the River to the Sea" during a charity concert. The event, held at Bedwas Workmen's Hall near Caerphilly, South Wales, was aimed at raising funds for the Middle East Children's Alliance, a charity supporting children in Gaza. 
Criticism and Backlash
  • "Hang her head in shame": Conservative MP Andrew Percy, a member of the Jewish community, told The Sun that Church should "hang her head in shame" for her involvement.
  • Antisemitism Allegations: The Campaign Against Antisemitism branded the chant as "genocidal" and called for an investigation into the event.
  • Interpretation of the Chant: Critics argue the phrase "From the River to the Sea" is a call for the destruction of the state of Israel.
  • "Stop the Occupation": In addition to the main chant, Church was observed singing "Stop the Occupation" at the event. 
Charlotte Church's Response
  • Denial of Antisemitism: Church, 38, addressed the backlash on Instagram Live, stating, "I am in no way antisemitic. I am fighting for the liberation of all people".
  • Defense of the Song: She described the concert as a "beautiful" and "powerful" event. She later stated on the YouTube show Novara Live that the chant was not inherently antisemitic, but rather a call for "peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians".
  • Continued Activism: Despite the controversy, Church stated she would "do it again 100 times" and that she has been "massively changed" by the war in Gaza.
The chant "From the River to the Sea" has been a subject of significant debate throughout the UK following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, with many pro-Palestinian activists arguing it is a slogan for freedom and equality rather than destruction. Footage that emerged from Saturday night showed the 38-year-old star lead a choir in the protest chant at a Sing for Palestine event in Caerphilly, south Wales.

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