Local groups call on Pride to reconsider booking Kehlani over pro-Gaza comments

Flags at the San Diego Pride parade File photo by Chris Stone Times of San Diego A coalition of local organizations and synagogues has called on San Diego Pride to reconsider one of its headliners for the Pride Festival in light of what they claim are antisemitic comments Kehlani who uses they them pronouns has been vocal about assistance for Palestinians during the bombing campaign and invasion of Gaza by Israel following the October terrorist attacks by Hamas The Finest Neighborhood Coalition which is made up of nearly local Jewish groups on Thursday claimed that the singer s comments would create an unwelcoming habitat at the Pride Festival in July View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Diego Pride sandiegopride The coalition describes itself as an independent initiative that takes a community-wide approach to combat antisemitism together for a better San Diego Pride should be a celebration of inclusion and solidarity not a platform for divisive voices that incite hatred and violence according to a report from the coalition In newest months Kehlani has amplified antisemitic rhetoric that is deeply harmful to the Jewish region Coalition members include the American Jewish Committee San Diego Anti-Defamation League of San Diego Hillel of San Diego Jewish Family Amenity of San Diego Jewish Federation of San Diego Leichtag Foundation Congregation Beth Israel Temple Adat Shalom of Poway and Temple Emanu-El of San Diego Pride authorities did not respond to a request for comment Kehlani has criticized other artists who have not spoken out about Gaza and in signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip They also have dedicated proceeds from merchandise sales to benefit residents in war zones including Gaza The performer continued to show backing via social media for the Palestinian people in by calling for fellow musicians to advocacy the plight of Gazans They have million followers on Instagram The San Diego coalition disclosed that Kehlani s messages go beyond political critique they are dehumanizing and they alienate and endanger Jewish San Diegans including LGBTQ Jews Pride s stance in associating with the singer the group noted has led to doubts about the July celebration As a product of this decision Jewish organizations and individuals that have long supported Pride have been put in a position in which they have to question their participation and whether this year s event is truly a space where they will be safe and protected coalition representatives disclosed Kehlani has felt backlash before Their participation in Cornell University s annual Slope Day was canceled in April by university president Michael Kotlikoff over the singer s advocacy for Palestine He disclosed Kehlani had espoused antisemitic anti-Israel sentiments in performances videos and on social media Kehlani fired back saying they are am not antisemitic nor anti-Jew I am anti-genocide I am anti the actions of the Israeli administration I am anti an extermination of an entire people I am anti the bombing of innocent children men women that s what I m anti they wrote on Instagram A free concert featuring Kehlani scheduled for New York City s Pride Month in June was canceled by Mayor Eric Adams who cited precaution concerns The San Diego Pride Festival is scheduled for July - in Balboa Park Kehlani is set to headline Saturday s performance