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 support for Palestinians during the bombing campaign and invasion of Gaza by Israel following the October 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas.
The Finest Community Coalition, which is made up of nearly 30 local Jewish groups, on Thursday claimed that the singer’s comments would create an unwelcoming environment at the Pride Festival in July.
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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 statement from the coalition. “In recent months, Kehlani has amplified antisemitic rhetoric that is deeply harmful to the Jewish community.”
Coalition members include the American Jewish Committee San Diego, Anti-Defamation League of San Diego, Hillel of San Diego, Jewish Family Service 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 officials did not respond to a request for comment.
Kehlani has criticized other artists who have not spoken out about Gaza, and in 2023 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 support via social media for the Palestinian people in 2024 by calling for fellow musicians to support the plight of Gazans. They have 16 million followers on Instagram.
The San Diego coalition said 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 said, has led to doubts about the July celebration.
“As a result 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 officials said.
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 support for Palestine.
He said 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 government, 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 security concerns.
The San Diego Pride Festival is scheduled for July 19-20 in Balboa Park. Kehlani is set to headline Saturday’s performance.
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