A defiant Matisyahu stood up against anti-Semitic pro-Palestinian activists in the crowd by delivering a moving performance of his monumental hit "Im Eskachyich Yerushalyim"
A defiant Matisyahu stood up against anti-Semitic pro-Palestinian activists in the crowd by delivering a moving performance of his monumental hit “Jerusalem,” a modern day version of the ancient Jewish hymn “If I forget thee O Jerusalem (Im Eshkagech Yerushalayaim)” that is recited by the groom at the end of every Jewish wedding ceremony.
The song describes the 3000-year old bond between the Jewish people and Jerusalem and the current attempts by Israel’s enemies to deny Jewish history in the city (See lyrics below this article). Matisyahu performed the song in front of the pro-Palestinian activists who waved giant PLO flags and repeatedly heckled the singer during the concert.
A local pro-Palestinian group belonging to the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel had pressured the organizers of the festival into canceling Matisyahu’s performance after he refused to answer questions about his stance on a Palestinian state. Matisyahu was singled out by the organizers because he is Jewish; no other artist scheduled to perform at the festival was asked questions on the subject.
