StandWithUs 'Israel' director criticizes Shawn Mendes over "Free Palestine" statement
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- Mendes had urged fellow artists and followers to speak out, donate, and advocate for Palestinians.
Michael Dickson, executive director of the pro-'Israel' advocacy organization StandWithUs 'Israel', has publicly criticized Canadian singer Shawn Mendes on Instagram following the musician’s support for Palestine and his call for an end to the aggression on Gaza.
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In an Instagram post, Dickson showed that he texted Mendes, questioning the singer whether he had ever visited 'Israel' or Gaza, saying "you are so so wrong. Have you ever been to Israel or Gaza?"
Dickson said that there is "no genocide against Palestinians," and described the war on Gaza as "one of a litany of lies made by extremists" and called it "an anti-Jewish slur."
Dickson’s response came after Mendes posted a statement on social media opening with the words "Free Palestine" and calling the situation in Gaza a "genocide happenning before our eyes."
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"The senseless killing in Gaza must stop," Mendes wrote, stating that Palestinian children and families had suffered for far too long and required support.
In his message, the 28-year-old singer noted that he had been working to educate himself on Palestine and shared a list of humanitarian organizations to which he had donated, encouraging his followers to learn more and contribute.
Mendes also appealed directly to fellow musicians and public figures, acknowledging that speaking out on the issue could feel intimidating while urging others to use their platforms.
"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."
Calling on followers to "normalize speaking up and standing up for those suffering from oppression," Mendes encouraged greater civic action, including donating, voting, and challenging those in power.
With his remarks, Mendes joins a number of figures in the entertainment industry, including model Bella Hadid and rapper Macklemore, who have used their platforms to advocate for Palestinians and call for a halt to 'Israeli' military operations in Gaza.
