Unveil Eric Cantona's impassioned address at Together For Palestine: "Collectively, we hold power; you hold power, and football enthusiasts worldwide wield power too"
Headline: Eric Cantona Leads Star-Studded "Together For Palestine" Event at OVO Arena Wembley
A poignant and powerful event was held at the OVO Arena Wembley on September 17, as renowned figures from the world of music, film, and politics came together for "Together For Palestine". The event, which raised just under £1.5million for Palestinian-led organizations, featured performances, speeches, and a special all-star music performance.
The event was headlined by football legend Eric Cantona, who gave a stirring speech about the ongoing situation in Gaza. Cantona, inspired by his introduction by Palestinian footballer Mahmoud Sarsak, called for a sporting boycott of Israel in football due to the ongoing conflict.
Sarsak, a former captive of Israel's prisons, went on a hunger strike for three months in 2012 after being imprisoned without trial. His story resonated with Cantona, who believes that international football is more than just sport, it's culture, politics, and soft power.
The event included performances from Damon Albarn, Paul Weller, Rachel Chinouriri, Yasiin Bey, and more. One of the highlights of the night was a medley of Palestinian traditional songs performed by Yasiin Bey, the London Arab Orchestra, and the Juzour Dance Collective, which sparked one of the biggest responses of the night.
Other notable performers included Billie Eilish, Finneas, Joaquin Phoenix, Cillian Murphy, Steve Coogan, and Annie Lennox, who recorded a reimagined version of her song 'Why?' to benefit the 'Together For Palestine' fund.
Presenters at the event included Cantona, PinkPantheress, Richard Gere, Benedict Cumberbatch, Florence Pugh, and Nicola Coughlan. The event also saw the reading of the Khaled Juma poem 'Oh Rascal Children of Gaza'.
In addition to the "Together For Palestine" event, another charity event for Palestine, "Gig For Gaza", is set to take place next month. Curated by Paul Weller, the event will feature performances by Primal Scream, Inhaler, Maverick Sabre, and Paul Weller himself.
The funds raised from both events will be distributed to Palestinian-led organizations like Taawon, Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and Palestine Medical Relief Service. These organizations work tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The "Together For Palestine" event took place a day after a UN commission inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. The tragic reality of the situation in Gaza was not lost on the attendees, who came together in solidarity and support for the Palestinian people.
In a moving moment, Cantona called for FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel and for clubs, players, and fans to refuse to play or participate in matches against Israeli teams. His call for a boycott was met with applause and cheers from the crowd, demonstrating the widespread support for the Palestinian cause.
The "Together For Palestine" event was a powerful demonstration of solidarity and support for the Palestinian people. As the conflict in Gaza continues, events like this serve as a reminder of the global community's commitment to justice and peace.
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