According to reports, skateboarder and rapper Macklemore is donating $1 million to Palestinian relief groups following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after speaking out for Palestine during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
The Grammy winning rapper said he would give away his net earnings from the tour to six organizations, including Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Anera and UNRWA USA.
The groups say the donation will help provide medical care, food, shelter and other assistance to Palestinians facing severe humanitarian conditions.
For Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, the money will go into an unrestricted fund, allowing the organization to decide where it is needed most as conditions change.
Macklemore has supported Palestinian causes for years. Proceeds and streaming royalties from his songs “Hind’s Hall” and “Hind’s Hall 2” have already generated more than $509,000 for UNRWA USA, according to the organization.
His latest contribution has also encouraged others to give. YouTube personality Ms. Rachel announced a $1 million donation to Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, while online fundraising campaigns brought in tens of thousands more.
Anera also reported a sharp increase in donations and gained more than 8,000 followers after Macklemore shared the organization on social media.
For the groups receiving the funds, the attention could help bring new supporters to Palestinian relief efforts while providing additional resources for people in need.