In a statement on behalf of B’nai B’rith International at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) today:

Kobi Farhi, lead singer and founder of the Israeli heavy metal band Orphaned Land, spoke about having been targeted for boycotts due to his nationality despite decades of work bringing Israelis, Palestinians and other Arabs together.

Farhi’s family roots extend throughout the region, and his band is known for a blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Jewish, Muslim and other musical influences that has earned popularity both in Israel and the Arab world.

B’nai B’rith—an officially accredited nongovernmental organization across the U.N. system—chose to bring an accomplished cultural figure to highlight the growing scourge of anti-Israeli discrimination and violation of Israeli citizens’ right to equal treatment irrespective of their nationality.

At a time of surging anti-Jewish and “anti-Zionist” hate worldwide, the U.N. human rights office itself expanded last week a blacklist stigmatizing private companies it deems tied to Israeli policies of which it disapproves—a hostile strategy not applied to countless countries and conflicts elsewhere. Similarly, Britain, nine other European countries and Canada this month announced a ban solely on goods from Jewish communities in Palestinian-claimed areas of Jews’ historic homeland.

In his prepared remarks, Farhi said:

“For 35 years, I have used music to build bridges between Israelis, Muslims, and Palestinians. My band has toured with Muslim and Palestinian musicians, shared awards with Palestinian artists, and received five awards for peace.

“Over the years, something extraordinary happened: Muslim fans across the Middle East embraced our music. Some even tattooed our lyrics on their bodies. Others have paid a terrible price—some were imprisoned simply for having contact with us or for possessing our albums. We have spent decades proving that music can cross borders that politics cannot.

“Yet in Barcelona in 2024, I was treated differently simply because I am Israeli. A boycott campaign pressured the club where we were scheduled to perform. Eventually, the concert took place, while a pro-Palestinian demonstration was held outside.

“I respect the right to protest. But I ask you: Why should an Israeli artist who has spent 35 years building bridges be judged by his nationality rather than by the bridges he has built?

He concluded, “Music cannot solve every conflict. But it can remind us that the other side is human.”

Farhi’s video message, facilitated by the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem, can be viewed HERE.

B’nai B’rith, present at the U.N. since the body’s founding and set apart by a dedicated Office of U.N. Affairs, has just concluded annual advocacy meetings with world leaders in New York and a campaign that encouraged countries not to legitimize a U.N. summit on racism tainted by anti-Jewish bigotry.

The organization will continue to provide a platform at the UNHRC to victims of anti-Jewish prejudice and violence over the coming days.