President Herzog Hosts Boy George at the President’s Residence

On November 2, 2026, President Isaac Herzog and the First Lady, Michal Herzog, hosted British singer-songwriter Boy George at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem during his visit to Israel. During his remarks at event, President Herzog thanked Boy George for publicly standing with the Jewish people and Israel.

Remarks at the event were also delivered by Sylvan Adams, President of World Jewish Congress Israel, and former hostage Elkana Bohbot.

President Isaac Herzog: “Today, we want to thank you, Boy George, for standing together with Israel and the Jewish people. In the three years since October 7th, Israel and Jews around the world have faced an onslaught of attacks. In the worlds of culture, art, and music, which ought to bring people together, we have seen a particular strain of discrimination against Israelis and Jews run rampant. However, you stood up and said: ‘If you’re ever confused, I stand with the Jews. I don’t feel brave, I just need to behave like a human.’ It was this simple yet profound message of moral clarity and decency in your song ‘We Will Dance Again’ that touched the hearts of Jews and Israelis everywhere.”

Boy George: “In some ways, the old Boy George no longer exists, because some people don’t see me in the way they used to, and a lot of other people see me in a new way. I like that. I feel like ‘We Will Dance Again’ has forced me to grow up. This experience has made me much more aware of what is out there emotionally and what challenges us.”

Sylvan Adams, President of World Jewish Congress Israel: “George, you aren’t Jewish, but the Jewish people are facing this wall of hatred, this organized wall of hatred. When we are attacked, we have no choice but to fight back. You, on the other hand, have chosen to engage in this moral campaign against the haters, and for this we are eternally grateful. We are delighted by your moving song and equally delighted by your visit. Keep singing ‘We Will Dance Again,’ and come back and visit us as often as you like.”

Former hostage Elkana Bohbot: “For me, these words are not just the title of a song. They are life itself. I was kidnapped from the Nova festival, a place where people came to celebrate life and music. They tried to take away our freedom, but they will not take away our spirit. Today, after 738 days in captivity, I stand here free. Boy George, thank you for your friendship and for choosing to bring your music to Israel. On this occasion, I want to tell you: yes, we will dance again.”