Rabbi Dan Moskovitz: Boy George’s journey to my Vancouver synagogue

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One Friday night, sitting at home, he did. He released the first version without consulting his manager because, as he told us, “I didn’t want to be told not to do it.”

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Most public figures employ people precisely to tell them what not to do. They calculate the market, anticipate the backlash and sand down every dangerous edge until they say nothing, or at least nothing anyone could possibly find objectionable.

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While recording the final version, he told us, he burst into tears.

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The backlash was immediate. George was denounced and threatened with boycotts. Activists demanded that Vancouver’s Pacific National Exhibition cancel his scheduled concert.

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Then something remarkable happened.

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The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and the Jewish Federation of British Columbia, led by Ezra Shanken, organized a letter-writing campaign. More than 10,000 people urged the PNE to stand by George and allow the concert to proceed.

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The PNE did.

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That decision deserves recognition. In the three years since October 7, too many arts institutions, particularly here in British Columbia, have backed down before bullies and called their cowardice prudence. They invoke “safety,” “sensitivity,” or “community harmony.” The language is polished, but the lesson is dangerous: create enough anger and you will be given a veto.

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The PNE refused to teach that lesson.

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Courage is contagious. George stood his ground. Thousands of Canadians stood with him. The PNE kept the stage open.

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George then made another important choice. He did not perform “We Will Dance Again” at the PNE.

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He understood that the audience, of which I was a part, had come to a summer concert to sing, dance and enjoy the music. They had not consented to attend a political rally.

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He respected them enough not to hold them captive to his politics.

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Performers such as Macklemore and Kneecap have turned concerts into platforms for hostile, one-sided political propaganda, forcing audiences who came for music to become participants in their causes.

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George had every opportunity to answer his critics from the PNE stage. He chose instead to give the audience the concert they had purchased tickets to see.

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Two nights later, he came to Temple Sholom, where the purpose was different and everyone knew why we had gathered.

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There he spoke openly about the song, the threats and the Jewish friends and strangers who had written to thank him. Then, in a synagogue filled with people who understood its meaning, he performed “We Will Dance Again” live for the first time.

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That night, I watched people cry, smile and rise to dance. In the days that followed, messages have poured in calling the evening magical, joyful and unforgettable.

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Their gratitude revealed how lonely many Canadian Jews have felt.

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When it was over, I gave Boy George the hug I promised him, and presented him with a shofar, the biblical ram’s horn blown to wake us from our slumber and call us to action. Officially, it was presented on behalf of the Jewish community of British Columbia, but as I said in the moment, truthfully it was on behalf of Jews and our allies everywhere.

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Courage is contagious. May other artists catch it and appear at a synagogue, Jewish community centre or public forum near you. We need more artists like George to stop being confused and stand with the Jews against those who seek to terrorize and destroy us. Every rabbi I know has an extra shofar in the office. Come and get one. It will come with a hug.

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Rabbi Dan Moskovitz (@rabbidanmosk) is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Sholom in Vancouver.

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