Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Hermlin said he attended to hear their views, asking where donations would go and what the lyrics of an Arabic song used for choreography meant.
By Shula Rosen
Berlin swing musician David Hermlin says he has been excluded from several European jazz festivals after wearing a yellow pin in support of hostages held in Gaza and asking questions at a pro-Palestinian meeting in Sweden.
The 25-year-old told Fox News Digital that he has been accused of intimidating participants but denies the charge. “I didn’t harass or intimidate anyone. I merely asked two questions I thought were legitimate,” Hermlin said.
Hermlin, who performs as Daveetheewave, is known for recreating the style of 1930s swing music with his big band, the Swing Dance Orchestra.
He wore the small yellow ribbon pin — a symbol advocating for the release of hostages in Gaza — on his suit during this year’s Herräng Dance Camp, one of the world’s largest swing festivals. “What kind of a world is this now that before I can play at a festival, I have to make a political statement? It’s a music festival, not a political festival,” he said.
During the event, a group called Jazz with Palestine held an open meeting. Hermlin said he attended to hear their views and asked where donations would go and what the lyrics of an Arabic song used for choreography meant.
“The first question was, if I want to donate some money, where are the donations going? The second was, what’s the meaning of the Arabic song? They said they didn’t know,” he recalled. Organizers later said his presence was intimidating.
He also faced criticism for the pin, which symbolizes solidarity with the 50 hostages still held by Hamas. “This pin is about the hostages. It’s not about the IDF or the government. It’s about empathy,” Hermlin said.
Hermlin says festivals have continued booking his band while excluding him personally. “I’m the only one being excluded. Not the band, just me,” he said.
Despite cancellations, he vows to continue performing. “Music should unite and not divide … My way of fighting back is to keep swinging.”
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
