U2 Album Features Israeli Poem and Song About Slain Palestinian Activist

Bono, the lead singer of U2, has expressed strong criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has highlighted Jewish tradition in an interview released alongside the band’s new EP, “Days of Ash.” The album, the first from U2 since 2017, includes a song honoring Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, who was killed by an Israeli settler in the West Bank in July. It also features a recitation of the anti-war poem “Wildpeace” by Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai.

In the interview, Bono condemned antisemitism, stating that it must be addressed whenever witnessed. He described the Oct. 7 attack as “evil” and acknowledged the suffering of Israelis, but criticized Netanyahu’s response as “sweeping brutality” that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians. His remarks reflect a nuanced stance on the conflict, balancing condemnation of violence with calls for measured action.

Bono’s critique of Netanyahu follows months of public statements on the war in Gaza. In August, he had called for “categorical and unequivocal condemnation” of the Israeli government led by Netanyahu. His comments align with broader concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the need for accountability.

The EP, which includes six songs, addresses several high-profile deaths in recent years, such as the killing of Sarina Esmailzadeh by Iranian security forces in 2022 and the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The inclusion of these diverse cases underscores the album’s focus on human rights and justice.

The poem by Yehuda Amichai is followed by the song “One Life at a Time,” which memorializes Hathaleen’s death. This structure emphasizes the human cost of violence and the importance of remembering individual lives amid broader conflicts. The EP’s thematic focus on loss and remembrance resonates with calls for peace and reconciliation.

Bono also addressed the treatment of Judaism, lamenting that it is “being slandered by far-right fundamentalists from within its own community.” He expressed reverence for the Judeo-Christian tradition and emphasized the importance of protecting religious heritage from internal and external threats. His remarks highlight the role of faith in shaping moral and political discourse.

The album and its accompanying interview reflect a broader trend of artists engaging with global conflicts and human rights issues. By incorporating voices from different communities, U2 seeks to foster dialogue and awareness. This approach aligns with biblical principles of justice and mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for walking humbly with God and doing justice.

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