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(NewsNation) — Jewish-American rapper and reggae artist Matisyahu criticized fellow hip-hop star Macklemore’s new song “Hind’s Hall” for taking a pro-Palestinian position in line with what Matisyahu called the current “cool” trend of expressing pro-Palestinian views online.
A decade ago, Macklemore himself drew criticism for wearing an overtly stereotypical Jewish costume during a performance.
In a Wednesday interview on NewsNation’s “Dan Abrams Live,” Matisyahu said venues abruptly pulled the plug on his sold-out shows just hours before they were set to begin due to threats of protests against the Grammy-nominated musician.
Matisyahu says his recent tour cancellations in cities including Chicago stem from his outspoken support for Israel’s right to exist.
“This is just people trying to silence anyone who doesn’t think like them, which is quite the opposite of protesting,” Matisyahu said.
The beatboxing singer-songwriter expressed bewilderment that his message of peace through music could inspire such a backlash.
“My only crime is … that I believe Israel has a right to exist, that the Jews have a right to the land of Israel,” Matisyahu said.
Despite the cancellations, Matisyahu vowed the protests would not deter him from speaking out.