By Ahmed Abdelsalam
American rapper Macklemore concluded his three-date Free Palestine tour at London's OVO Arena Wembley on Friday, with all proceeds directed to 12 organizations supporting Palestinians in Gaza. The tour, announced ten days after he was dropped as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s The Loop tour, has drawn praise from humanitarian groups operating in the enclave.
Charities express gratitude
Shabby Amini, director of fundraising and marketing at Medical Aid for Palestinians, said the organization is “incredibly grateful” for Macklemore’s support and for using his platform to keep Palestinian experiences in the spotlight. A spokesman for Anera, which aids displaced Palestinians, described the concerts as a powerful display of solidarity, noting that music can inspire action and unite people.
Background and tour details
Macklemore, 43, was removed from Sheeran’s tour in September after calling for a “Free Palestine” during two performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. The Seattle-based artist subsequently announced his own benefit tour, which included sold-out shows in Dublin and Paris before the London finale. The rapper has alleged that Robert Kraft, CEO of the Kraft Group and owner of Gillette Stadium, personally intervened to block his appearance at the venue, though Sheeran attributed the decision to his promoter.
Beneficiary organizations
The tour supports Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, Heal Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children’s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and UNRWA USA.
