Defying BDS pressure, legendary singer Paul Anka electrifies packed Tel Aviv crowd
At the concert Thursday, Anka moved the crowd for two hours, performing his hits and covers
The 77-year-old legendary Canadian-American crooner of Syrian and Lebanese descent Paul Anka filled the Menora Mivtahim Arena in Tel Aviv on Thursday night, performing with a youthful energy that was warmly welcomed by the crowd.
Having already performed in Israel three times before, the charismatic singer who became famous for his hit songs like "Diana", "Lonely Boy", "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" and for composing the lyrics to My Way for Frank Sinatra, repudiated calls from the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement to cancel his show, reportedly telling them to take the proverbial hike.
“I told them very delicately to f-- off," he reportedly said jesting in an interview with Israel media outlet Mako, "Can you say that on television?"
"I am happy to be back in Israel as usual," Anka said. "How could you not like it?"
BDS advocates for isolating Israel over its treatment of Palestinians and is inspired by international advocacy against apartheid-era South Africa.
The movement has persuaded a number of big-name artists to cancel their performances, including Lana Del Ray and Lorde last year.
However, other artists have taken a stand against BDS, such as Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, or have simply chosen to perform in the Jewish state in defiance of often intense pressure to cancel their visits led by Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters.
The movement was recently designated by Germany as anti-Semitic.
At the concert Thursday, Anka moved the crowd for two hours, performing his hits “Puppy Love,” “Diana,” “You Are My Destiny,” ”Having My Baby” as well as Frank Sinatra anthems “My Way” and “New York, New York.”
He engaged with the crowd, greeting the fans as he strolled through and gave them a chance to sing along on his microphone, while also taking time between numbers to tell his colorful Hollywood stories with the likes of John Wayne and Dolly Parton.
Asked during his interview how he manages to stay in such good shape, he reportedly explained, "It's very simple. If you do things right - you got to live good, you got to eat good and you have to take care of your body."
He ended the show with climatic covers of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” and Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back,” bringing the audience to its feet.