Drake Features "Pray for Gaza" in New Film, Sparks Outrage

Jewish-Canadian rapper Drake has sparked fresh controversy with his new film FOMO, which features an unreleased song containing the line "Pray for Gaza." The lyric appears around the 17:47 mark and immediately triggered heated reactions across social media.

Drake, who grew up in Toronto's Jewish community and famously celebrated his bar mitzvah at age 31 in an extravagant ceremony, has been at the center of controversy since the war between Israel and Hamas began. Many in the Jewish community expected him to condemn Hamas's terror attacks, but he chose not to address the events publicly, a decision that drew sharp criticism.

With the release of his new film and its contentious lyric, Drake appears to have chosen an indirect way to express his position. The inclusion of "Pray for Gaza" raises serious questions about his intentions and his connection to the Jewish community that raised him.

This isn't Drake's first association with calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. In October 2023, roughly a month after the war erupted, he was among the signatories of an open letter from Artists4Ceasefire. The letter, signed by dozens of prominent artists, actors and musicians, appealed to then-President Joe Biden and Congress demanding action toward a ceasefire and de-escalation in Gaza and Israel.

"We are witnessing the horror and loss of life in Israel and Palestine. We ask that you, as President of the United States, call for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza before more lives are lost," the letter stated. Other signatories included Adam Lambert, Andrew Garfield, Bella Hadid, Ben Affleck, and Bradley Cooper.

Drake's father, Dennis Graham, attempted to defend his son's decision not to address the war directly. In an interview with TMZ, he explained: "If you say something about that side, they'll criticize you. If you say something about the other side, they'll criticize you. So it's better to stay out of it."

Yet it appears Drake chose not to stay out of it entirely. The inclusion of the lyric in his new film indicates he decided to express his position, even if not in a completely direct manner. The Jewish community, which expected clear condemnation of Hamas from him, finds itself disappointed by his choice.

Drake, considered one of the world's most successful rappers, is known for his ties to the Jewish community. He grew up in an active Jewish community in Toronto and has referenced his Jewish roots numerous times over the years. His decision to include the controversial lyric in his new film raises profound questions about his identity and his relationship with the community.

Meanwhile, the film FOMO continues to generate fierce reactions on social media. Some fans condemn Drake for his choice, while others defend him and note he's simply expressing his personal opinion. Either way, Drake continues to be a polarizing figure, especially when it comes to sensitive political issues.