I’m not all about Leon Russell, at least not ALL the time. I have a certain fond connection to PNW-born musician Macklemore, if you can believe it…

It relates to skateboarding and that’s all I’m going to say!

There are many reasons why I admire Macklemore, real name Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, and it’s not just because I reallyreally like his music, which I do.

I swear, I’ve been playing Thrift Shop on repeat for a long time. I AM that thrift shop girl hahahaha.

I admire him because he’s a great dad and I’ve witnessed it in action, so this is not celebrity gossip, and I admire him for the way he walks the talk and speaks his truth:

Macklemore has been loudly advocating for an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza for years. The Seattle rapper is currently opening for Sheeran on his North American stadium tour, and he’s using it as a platform to advocate for a free Palestine among other causes. In response, a pro-Israel group has launched a petition to get him removed from the tour.

Halfway through his opening set Friday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore delivered a version of the speech he’s been giving through the tour. He’s since posted video footage of the speech on Instagram for all to see.

I’ve been trying to figure out a way to say this all day. One of the reasons why I wanted to come on this tour was because I wanted to stand up here on stages in stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: “Free Palestine.” I said, “Free Palestine!” I want those words to be loud and clear so that people from Gaza, all the way to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them.

And this next song was inspired by the bravery of Columbia University students who led an encampment movement that mobilized the entire world. Opened up hearts, myself included. So thank you to those students that risked their diplomas, that risked their tuition, that risked their scholarships, that stood up and said, “No.” CUAD students, Students For Justice In Palestine, and Jewish Voices For Peace. Thank you guys.

To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace. Love. For all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality. So I say free Palestine. I say free Lebanon. I say free Cuba. I say free Congo, free Sudan, free all people in America living in fear over this terrorist organization ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free. (Curated from Stereogum)

Instead of petitioning against him and vilifying this talented musician, husband, and wonderful dad, how about we REALLY listen to his words?

Macklemore is a brave truth teller and ought to be commended. As granddaughter of a rabbi, I’m on #TeamMacklemore

Here’s a couple of my fave songs, and I chose the ADULT version:

Can’t Hold Us

Featured photo from Yahoo