Lorde considering "all options" concerning controversial Israel show

An open letter from NZ fans Justine Sachs and Nadia Abu-Shanab calls on Lorde to cancel her date in the Middle Eastern nation, which is currently booked for 5 June 2018 in Tel Aviv.

"A performance in Israel sends the wrong message. Playing in Tel Aviv will be seen as giving support to the policies of the Israeli government, even if you make no comment on the political situation," the pair write in their letter. "Such an effect cannot be undone by even the best intention and the best music."

"As fans of yours, we know that you’re an empathetic artist who is committed to the empowerment of women, the LGBTIQ community and people of colour," Sachs and Abu-Shanab continue. "We’ve watched as you’ve used your platform to draw attention to institutional racism, sexism and white privilege. You’ve talked about the need to 'stay informed and stay outraged' about the intolerant and discriminatory policies of the Trump administration. We only ask you do the same with the Israeli government."

Lorde has now responded to the letter by Sachs and Abu-Shanab, who are Jewish and Palestinian respectively, albeit not directly:

Noted! Been speaking w many people about this and considering all options. Thank u for educating me i am learning all the time too

— Lorde (@lorde) December 21, 2017

This year has seen a number of artists challenged on their Israel performances, including Radiohead and Nick Cave, and German festival Pop-Kultur Berlin was boycotted by some artists over its links to the nation.