‘It's our turn to be brave’: Shawn Mendes urges artists to speak up for Palestine

• Shawn Mendes declared “Free Palestine,” calling for an end to the killing in Gaza.
• Described the situation as a genocide and highlighted the suffering of Palestinian children and families.
• Said he had been educating himself and shared organizations he had donated to.

Canadian singer Shawn Mendes has called for an end to the killing in Gaza, declaring his support for Palestine and urging fellow artists and the public to speak out against the ongoing suffering of Palestinians.

In a statement shared on social media, Mendes opened with the words “Free Palestine,” describing the situation as a genocide unfolding before the world's eyes.

“The senseless killing in Gaza must stop,” he wrote, adding that Palestinian children and families had suffered for far too long and needed support.

Mendes said he had been working to educate himself about the situation and understand how he could make a difference. He also shared several organizations he had donated to, encouraging his followers to learn more and contribute.

Addressing fellow musicians and artists, the singer acknowledged that speaking publicly about Palestine could feel intimidating, but stressed the importance of using their platforms to push for change.

“I know it can feel scary to speak up; I feel it now as I type this,” he wrote. “The more of us that use our voice, the closer we are to change.”

He urged people to find the courage to stand with Palestinians, saying children in Palestine had been forced to show bravery for too long and that it was now time for others to do the same.

Mendes concluded by calling for greater public engagement and accountability, encouraging people to donate, educate themselves, challenge those in power, vote and stand up against oppression.

“Let's normalize speaking up and standing up for those suffering from oppression,” he wrote.

Mendes joins a growing number of celebrities and public figures who have used their platforms to speak out in support of Palestinians and call for an end to ‘Israeli’ violence in Gaza. Artists, actors and musicians, including Bella Hadid, Macklemore, and others, have raised awareness of Palestinian suffering, called for humanitarian support and encouraged their followers to take action. Their statements have added to growing calls within the entertainment industry for greater solidarity with Palestinians and accountability for the ongoing violence.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes)