Jessie J faces backlash after sharing plea for Hamas hostage’s suffering to end
British pop star had previously condemned Israel over Gaza, but angered anti-Israel activists by highlighting plight of Israeli captive Evyatar David
British singer Jessie J has drawn both praise and fierce criticism online after posting an emotional message about newly released footage of Hamas hostage Evyatar David, nearly two years into his captivity in Gaza.
In a story to her 14 million Instagram followers on Sunday, the pop star shared images from the video, describing it as “heartbreaking” and writing: “I just cannot bear the evil in this world. Please God, make the suffering end,” alongside a broken-heart emoji.
David, abducted from the Nova music festival on 7 October 2023, has now been held for 667 days. In two videos released by Hamas on Saturday, the 24-year-old appears severely emaciated, clutching a food log showing repeated days without meals. At one point he is seen digging what appears to be his own grave inside a tunnel.
Jessie J also reposted a statement from activist Rachel Moiselle that read: “I thought images of starved Jews digging their own graves would forever be confined to history books. To see the past become present is a horror. Never Again. Again.”
Her comments prompted a torrent of abuse from some social media users, with posts accusing her of being a “disgusting Zionist” and siding with Israel.
The reaction was in stark contrast to the applause she received earlier this year after sharing content accusing Israel of starving Gaza and condemning “the evil that lives in some people’s hearts” for doing so.
Commenting on the backlash, Israeli activist Hen Mazzig wrote: “Apparently, saying that a starved hostage forced to dig his own grave is wrong makes you a ‘disgusting Zionist’. Who knew? I’m confused – starving people is bad, right? Or does that not apply when they’re Jewish?”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
