HEAL Palestine, a humanitarian charity, has rejected the proceeds from the ‘HÖR for Palestine’ compilation release by HÖR. The release features tracks from Matrixxxman, Henry Brooks, TV.OUT, Visceral Chaos, and others. The Berlin-based broadcaster had named HEAL Palestine as the project’s official beneficiary in an Instagram post, with the promise that “100% of the funds raised will be donated to HEAL Palestine”. However, the charity has now publicly stated that it is “not affiliated” with HÖR “in any way” and “is not accepting funds from them”.
HÖR is a Berlin-based broadcaster that faced a boycott from artists after two DJs accused the platform of stopping their sets because they were dressed in clothing showing “solidarity with Palestinians”. Following this, HÖR released a statement that clarified its position on Israel’s invasion of Gaza, saying it stands against the “collective punishment brought to Palestinians by Israel’s criminal government”. As part of its statement, the broadcaster reiterated its position by writing: “Once again, we call for an urgent and permanent ceasefire, a hostage deal, and an end to the occupation, oppression and violence that is inflicted on the Palestinian people. We support the right to freedom, self-determination and liberation of Palestine.”
The release of ‘HÖR for Palestine’ was billed as an initiative to raise funds for an organisation that HÖR wants to support and amplify. However, it has faced criticism from the intended beneficiary HEAL Palestine, which posted a statement on rejecting the funds from HÖR. In response, HÖR has said the compilation was not published as a collaboration with the NGO and apologised for any misunderstanding. Going forward, the broadcaster is looking for alternative humanitarian charities to aid Palestinians and will seek approval before sending funds.
The incident highlights how even philanthropic efforts can become controversial when they interact with political movements. Although the artists and HÖR had good intentions in releasing a compilation for Palestine, the charity initially named as the recipient rejected the funds. It is a reminder that even with good intentions, political sensitivities should always be considered when championing a cause
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