(HOLLYWOOD) – Legendary singer Stevie Wonder, recipient of 25 Grammy® Awards and an Academy Award®, has cancelled his performance at the annual Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Western Region Gala on Thursday, December 6th. The Gala, chaired by FIDF National Board Member and major supporter, Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl, will be attended by over 1,200 FIDF supporters and dignitaries from the U.S. and Israel who will gather to promote FIDF well-being and educational programs benefiting Israel’s soldiers.
Representatives of the performer cited a recommendation from the United Nations to withdraw his participation given Wonder’s involvement with that organization as a “Messenger of Peace.” FIDF National Director and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon said “we regret the fact that Stevie Wonder has decided to cancel his performance at an important community event of the FIDF, an American organization supporting the educational, cultural, and well-being needs of Israel’s soldiers, their families, and the families of fallen soldiers. FIDF is a non-political organization that provides much-needed humanitarian support regardless of religion, political affiliation, or military activity.”
