Following the announcement, Congressman Ritchie Torres sent a letter to New York City’s mayor, the New York City Parks Foundation, and Live Nation, criticizing the decision and demanding that Kehlani’s performance be canceled.
“Kehlani has a history of hatred against Israel, calling for its destruction and the dismantling of Zionism,” Torres wrote, referencing, among other things, a video she released last year that opened with the chant “Long live the Intifada.”
As if that wasn't enough, in March, she posted on Instagram calling to “stop the genocide in Gaza” and referred to Israeli Jews as “scum of the earth who need to go to hell.”
“The largest city in America has no right to fund antisemitism with taxpayers’ money,” Torres added on X. “Stop mainstreaming extremism and giving a platform to those who promote violence.”
According to a New York Post report, the Parks Foundation has not yet responded.
But NY Mayor Eric Adams replied on X: “Congressman Ritchie Torres, you know that the New York City Parks Department does not fund the City Parks Foundation or pay artists. The Parks Foundation is a private organization, and the taxpayer funds it receives are allocated based on City Council discretion, as you advocated for when you were a council member yourself. We will respond officially to your letter. Our administration will not fund organizations that promote antisemitism or any other form of hatred.”
Makor Rishon contributed to this article.
