Boy George visited the Nova music festival massacre site and prayed for peace at Jerusalem's Western Wall ahead of two concerts in Israel. The Culture Club singer met survivors, former hostages, and bereaved families on Tuesday at the site near Kibbutz Re'im, where hundreds were killed on October 7, 2023.
Accompanied by Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel, the British artist toured the memorial and held a press conference focused on remembrance and support for those rebuilding their lives. The previous day, Boy George visited the Western Wall with Adams, placing a note between its stones and describing the experience as a moment of "gratitude, reflection, love and prayer."
The singer is scheduled to perform at Tel Aviv's Menora Mivtachim Arena on November 4 and 7. His first concert, with special guest Ivri Lider, has sold out. The second concert is dedicated to the Nova community under the theme "We Will Dance Again," featuring DJ Ofer Nissim. At Boy George's request, 1,500 tickets for the November 7 show will be distributed to survivors and bereaved families through the Tribe of Nova Community Association.
Reflecting on his visit to the Western Wall, Boy George shared that he was thinking of his parents and loved ones. "Some places make you feel the presence of those you love, wherever they may be. This is one of them," he stated. Adams noted that he and the singer had prayed for peace for Israel, its neighbors, and the world, commending the singer for his visit amidst pressure on artists to boycott the country.
"George chose to come, perform for his Israeli fans and support the Nova survivors and bereaved families," Adams said. "He has shown courage and real friendship. I am proud to welcome him to our country."
Boy George also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem. Herzog presented the singer with a sculpture inspired by the red anemones at the Nova festival site, recognizing his support for Israel and the Jewish people, as well as his song "We Will Dance Again," inspired by the October 7 massacre. Herzog praised the singer's "moral clarity" during a time when Israelis and Jews face discrimination.
Boy George remarked that the song "We Will Dance Again" has personally changed him, adding, "I feel like 'We Will Dance Again' has forced me to grow up." His visit is at the invitation of Adams and is being coordinated by Live Nation Israel in cooperation with Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.