Peter Gabriel among rock stars contributing to Gaza relief album
Musician says he is “not and has never been anti-Israeli or anti-Semitic,” but rather “anti-Israeli government policy, anti-injustice, anti-oppression and anti-occupation.”
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFPeter Gabriel(photo credit: REUTERS)
Renowned musician Peter Gabriel has contributed songs to a new benefit compilation album titled 2 Unite All, which goes toward funding humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.“Although I am sure both the Palestinian and Israeli people would benefit enormously from a just and fair two-state agreement based around the ‘67 borders,” Gabriel said in a statement, “we have watched the Palestinians subjected to more and more suffering for far too long, especially in Gaza. Meanwhile, their longheld land is repeatedly stolen by force for illegal settlements.”Gabriel goes on to clarify his stance, assuring that he is “not and have never been anti-Israeli or anti-Semitic,” but rather “anti-Israeli government policy, anti-injustice, anti-oppression and anti-occupation.”Other musicians featured on the album include politically outspoken alternative-metal musician Serj Tankian, most famous for his work as frontman of System of a Down, who contributed a song titled “Spinning Mysteries at the Sacred Grove,” which features Police drummer Steward Copeland.“Helping to rebuild the lives of Palestinians in Gaza is a necessary and noble worldwide humanitarian prerogative that we must not shy away from,” Tankian said about the album in a statement.“It’s the least we can do for a people that have suffered under an occupation, embargo, and invasion.”In addition to his song with Tankian, Copeland also collaborated with Gabriel, who contributed an updated version of an old song titled “Across the River,” originally recorded back in 1982 for the WOMAD benefit compilation Music and Rhythm.“Our music may not be able to rebuild homes nor bring back victims of violence, but at least it can soften hearts,” said Copeland.“Hard hearts allow violence in the Holy Land and softening up allows persuasion. Even the most flinty realpolitik analysis shows that ‘Kumbaya’ is more credible than ‘They Must Go.’” The album also features Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and The Cure’s Porl Thompson.
