Boy George visits Jerusalem, meets President Herzog after song release

Boy George arrived in Israel for a visit that included a meeting with the nation's top leaders.

The singer met President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Monday. Sylvan Adams, who serves as President of World Jewish Congress Israel, was also present. Former Gaza hostage Elkana Bohbot joined the group for the conversation.

President Herzog thanked the musician for his public support. He noted that attacks on Israel and Jews have intensified in the three years since October 7. Herzog pointed out that discrimination has become common in the worlds of culture, art, and music. He quoted Boy George’s statement that he stands with the Jews and behaves like a human. Herzog said the song “We Will Dance Again” touched the hearts of many.

Boy George responded by saying the song forced him to grow up. He stated that the old version of himself no longer exists because people now view him differently. The artist said the experience made him more aware of the emotional challenges facing people today.

Sylvan Adams addressed the singer directly during the meeting. Adams described a wall of hatred facing the Jewish people and said they have no choice but to fight back. He thanked Boy George for engaging in a moral campaign against those haters. Adams invited the singer to return and visit as often as he likes.

Elkana Bohbot shared his personal perspective on the song's title. He explained that he was kidnapped from the Nova festival after 738 days in captivity. Bohbot said the words are about life itself and that the captors could not take away their spirit. He thanked Boy George for choosing to bring his music to Israel.

The singer also visited the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem. He toured the exhibition titled “06:29 - From Darkness to Light” with museum CEO Jonathan Riss and Adams. Sigal Mansouri, whose daughters were murdered at the Nova festival, participated in the tour. The exhibition uses photographs and testimonies from more than 40 women to document the events of October 7. Boy George said the presentation gave him a real sense of humanity in a time when people often lack time for substance. He announced that his second performance in Israel on November 7 will be dedicated to the Nova community.

Sylvan Adams organized the visit and hosted the singer. The trip was coordinated with Live Nation Israel representatives Guy Besser and Shay Mor Yosef. The Foreign Ministry also participated in the arrangements.