Munroe Bergdorf spoke to NME at this week’s Together For Palestine concert, opening up about receiving backlash for showing support but how that pales in comparison to those suffering. Watch our video interview above.
The model, activist, presenter and writer was one of many hosts who gave impassioned speeches on stage at London’s Wembley Arena earlier this week (Wednesday September 17), a night organised and curated by Brian Eno that saw huge performances from Damon Albarn, Paul Weller, Rachel Chinouriri, Yasiin Bey, and more, alongside guest speakers including Eric Cantona, PinkPantheress, Richard Gere, Benedict Cumberbatch, Florence Pugh, and Nicola Coughlan.
The event, which was also available as a livestream, raised just under £1.5million for the ‘Together For Palestine Fund’, which will be distributed to Palestinian-led organisations such as Taawon, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Palestine Medical Relief Service.
The concert came just a day after a UN commission inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel continues to deny accusations of genocide or war crimes.
Explaining the mood backstage, Bergdorf described it as “all kinds of people from all industries, all walks of life, just coming together for humanity, really. That’s what tonight is about.”
When asked what made her want to be part of the concert, she replied: “I don’t think I could live with myself if I wasn’t.”
Bergdorf continued: “I feel like this is the most important moment of our generation. At the end of the day, take out nations from it, take out faiths from it, take out geographical location, we are fighting for people to be heard, for justice in Gaza. We are fighting for our collective humanity. We are one people sharing one Earth.
“If we allow something to happen over there, then it will eventually come here. Regardless of if it comes here or not, it is still happening over there.”
As for what the night revealed about the connection between music and political change – at a time of a battle for freedom of expression – Bergdorf said the event was a reflection of how the “majority of people don’t want this [conflict in Gaza]”.
“It’s called Together For Palestine because it is all kinds of people coming together, but it’s more than just a moment,” she told NME. “I hope this carries on and it is in different iterations and inspires people in their own communities to organise and fundraise in their own way. I hope we raise a lot of money for people in Gaza and the healthcare workers that need it and aren’t being listened to by our government.”
When asked if she herself had received much personal and professional backlash for being such a staunch supporter of Palestinians, she replied: “Yeah, I have, but I just remind myself that it’s nothing compared to what they are going through. To lose your loved ones, your children, your family, your friends, your home, your livelihood, to never be able to go back to your homeland – that’s nothing compared to losing out on some opportunities.
“It’s hard because we all need to live underneath capitalism, but at the same time I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t speak up in this way.”
Sharing advice for others wishing to contribute to the cause, she added: “We all have those moments of feeling hopeless, but it’s plugging into the collective – not seeing this as something that you’re in on your own. This affects absolutely all of us; it affects the entire world.
“Get involved in some activations, some communities, some organisations, and you will feel like you’re doing a lot more. I always say that the best thing about allyship is to use what you’re good at. If it’s speaking, art, music, organising, crunching numbers – use what you’re good at to add to the collective and you will feel a lot less hopeless.”
Check out all of what went down at the Together For Palestine concert here, and visit here to donate to the Together For Palestine fund.