British art-rock band Radiohead performed in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, despite calls from protesters to cancel its show because it was seen as an insult to Palestinian people facing oppression in the country, The Guardian reported.
"A lot was said about this, but in the end we played some music," frontman Thom Yorke told the crowd, reported Richard Ferrer, editor of the London-based Jewish News newspaper, in a Twitter post.
Radiohead played a 27-song set before a sold-out crowd at Yarkon Park.
The band had been accused by filmmaker Ken Loach of ignoring "human rights violations."
Yorke replied on Twitter, saying "playing in a country isn't the same as endorsing its government."
"We've played in Israel for over 20 years through a succession of governments, some more liberal than others," he added. "We don't endorse [Israeli Prime Minister] Netanyahu any more than [President Donald] Trump, but we still play in America.
"Music, art, and academia is about crossing borders not building them, about open minds not closed ones, about shared humanity, dialogue, and freedom of expression. I hope that makes it clear, Ken."
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