Boy George meets Israel president before Tel Aviv shows

British singer Boy George met Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on November 2 before two planned concerts in Tel Aviv, making him one of the few major international pop stars to perform in Israel during boycott calls linked to the Gaza war.

Herzog, whose role is mostly ceremonial, welcomed the former Culture Club singer at his office and called him "a great friend." Boy George replied in Hebrew: "The people of Israel, we will dance again!"

The phrase refers to a message of solidarity shared after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, including the attack on the Nova music festival. Boy George is due to visit the Nova site on Tuesday.

The 65-year-old singer, whose real name is George O'Dowd, has spoken of feeling a connection with the Jewish community around which he grew up in London. Pro-Palestinian campaigners have urged artists to boycott Israel over the war in Gaza.