Pro-Palestinian Groups Call for Boycott of Andrea Bocelli in Jordan

Andrea Bocelli faces a boycott campaign in Jordan over his public support for Israel as the Italian tenor prepares for a concert at the ancient city of Petra on November 27. Several pro-Palestinian groups, including the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, called for the action against the upcoming performance.

We call on you to boycott Andrea Bocelli’s concert due to his public and long-standing support for the Israeli enemy (…). Do not buy tickets! Demand (…) the cancellation of the concert

BDS movement

Pro-Palestinian Groups Target Petra Concert Over Past Israeli Performances

Activists object to the singer’s history of appearances in Israel and events supporting its military. In 2022, Andrea Bocelli performed at a stadium in Tel Aviv before an audience that included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier in 2010, the tenor sang in Los Angeles at a fundraising gala supporting the Israeli military. The artist has also performed for United States President Donald Trump in recent years.

The local branch of the BDS movement argued that it is inadmissible that Petra, one of the most emblematic sites of Jordan and the Arab world, becomes a tribune for someone who has raised funds for the benefit of the occupation army. The concert forms part of the Romanza world tour, which celebrates the performer’s thirty-year career.

Organizers Defend Cultural Value of the Petra Performance

Event organizers defended the decision to bring the international artist to the historic site, emphasizing its cultural and tourism benefits for Jordan. Souha Bawab, executive director of the organizing association, stated that welcoming an artist of his stature provides an opportunity to showcase the country globally and solidify its position as a destination combining heritage and cultural experiences.

Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its monumental rock-cut architecture in pink sandstone, remains the leading destination for foreign tourists visiting Jordan. The scheduled November 27 performance proceeds as activists continue to demand ticket boycotts and event cancellation.