Macklemore has never been afraid to take a stand for things he believes in, and now, he’s spoken out about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Taking to the stage at a pro-Palestine demonstration in Washington, D.C., on Saturday (November 4), the “Can’t Hold Us” rapper spoke passionately about Israel’s ongoing attack on Gaza, which has killed over 9,700 Palestinians and displaced 70% of the region’s population.
Israel’s effort was in response to Hamas’ attacks of October 7, which killed about 1,400 Israelis and resulted in the taking of around 240 hostages.
“First and foremost, this is absolutely beautiful to observe today,” Macklemore began. “I didn’t expect to be on a microphone. There are thousands of people here more qualified to speak on the issue of a free Palestine than myself.”
He continued: “But I will say this. They told me to be quiet. They told me to do my research, to go back, that it’s too complex to say something, right? To be silent in this moment. In the last three weeks I’ve gone back and I’ve done some research … I’m teachable. I don’t know enough. But I know enough that this is a genocide.”
Check out his speech below.
This isn’t the first time that Macklemore has called the Israeli attacks on Gaza a “genocide.”
The “Thrift Shop” rapper previously issued a long statement on Instagram on October 19, sharing his reflections on the current war between Israel and Hamas, and the associated humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He captioned the post: “Please read,” followed by a prayer hands emoji, a Palestinian flag, an Israeli flag, and a heart.
He began by expressing deep sympathy for Israelis captured and killed by Hamas in their surprise attack earlier this month, and their loved ones.
“My heart deeply hurts for the Israelis that lost loved ones to such an abomination,” he wrote. “As a father, I cannot imagine if one of my kids was at that festival [the Supernova music festival, attacked by Hamas], or was still missing after being kidnapped. It is absolutely unfathomable.”
After that, the rapper pivoted to the Israeli response to the attacks, which as of that writing had killed over 2,300 Palestinians. UN experts have decried Israel for cutting off food, fuel, water, electricity, and medicine to Gaza in the aftermath of the October 7 attack.
“[K]illing humans as collective punishment is not the answer,” Macklemore continued. “That is why I am supporting the people around the world who are calling for a ceasefire.
“We are witnessing an unfolding genocide in Palestine at this very moment… Gaza is being demolished. Well over 1 million people have lost their homes… Innocent kids are being murdered as I’m typing this…. Israel isn’t allowing water, food and medicine into the open-air prison that is Gaza.”
Stfu Wacklemore. Goofy ass mf’er
I don’t really like him as a rapper, but he’s a good man. Free Palestine!
They’ll be free once every last hamas member is turned to dust. Don’t forget Palestinians celebrating in the streets over the 10/7 attacks or 9/11. disgusting
If he put half as much energy into making good music as he does whining about politics, maybe his albums wouldn’t suck so bad.
All these ignorant ppl supporting Palestine. Just wait until there’s another attack from them in the US, which is inevitable given our border crisis… let’s see if they’ll be defending them then, especially if it directly affects them or their family
Then still the murder account and war crimes of israel are over 10 fold
I’ve never seen an Israeli soldier torture a Palestinian. I’ve never heard of them raping children in front of their parents. I’ve never heard of them baking a child in an oven. I’ve never seen Israeli’s celebrating the death of Palestinians in the streets…. So shut your goofy ass up
Ill advice you to use google. And you’ll see the inhumane genocide conflicted on Palestinians
And I already advised you to shut your goofy ass up. Go be a human shield for Hamas if you’re so concerned
People fail to realize when Palestine was under the Ottoman Empire (Muslims) in the 1850s, the Ottoman Government stole Palestinian lands then sold it to Jws. Research the Ottoman Land Code of 1858. Also, the anger should be directed towards Great Britain because they created the Israel State by pushing out Palestinians after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Protesters on both sides are being played like instruments. The real culprits are sitting back laughing
The Palestinians that got killed from Israeli response were being used as human sheilds by Hamas. Some tried to run and Hamas snipers shot their own people. Theres a video that just came out of a guy on a bike riding past all the bodies. Hamas doesnt care about life, fuck em kill em all. Did we back down after 9-11 ? Fuck no, let the Israelis do their thing.
Imagine thinking the US response to 9/11 was appropriate and correct lmao. I’m sure the real culprits (The Saudis) learned their lesson! Some of y’all some dumb mfers ( cough * period boy * cough * real lame oh gee * cough).
Hamas = Israel = Us = Terrorists
How many people know hamas was created by Israel? lol in 87. Do
Your homework
Its good he says something someone say something because i must say it is pretty fucking bad over there…………..