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Rabat – Music streaming services Spotify and Apple Music faced widespread controversy for removing the popular Palestinian hit song “Dammi Falastini,” meaning “My Blood is Palestinian” in Arabic, from their platforms amid accusations of anti-semitism.
The move sparked widespread criticism, with many taking to social media to protest the move. However, the song was soon relisted on Spotify, with the streaming service debunking claims that its removal was solely based on anti-Semitic allegations.
The Middle East Monitor reported that the song returned to the music streaming service after a new license agreement was signed. Citing music experts, the outlet indicated that songs often disappear temporarily due to expiring distribution agreements, and they reappear once new deals are in place.
In a statement quoted by The New Arab, Spotify Arabia said: “The removal of some of Mohammed Assaf’s content was not determined by Spotify but rather by the distributor. We anticipate its return in the near future and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
However, Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf said that his song was removed from Spotify and Apple Music due to claims of promoting anti-Semitism. Assaf told The New Arab he had received an official email from Spotify citing allegations of “inciting against Israel” as the reason for the song’s removal.
The singer said he was both shocked and honored at the removal of his song, explaining that it effectively conveyed the resistance of the Palestinian people.
Read also: Mohammed Assaf’s song for Gaza Gets half million views in two days
“I checked my official page on the Spotify and Apple Music platforms and was surprised that the song ‘Dammi Falastini’ was deleted… on the pretext that the song incites the Zionist enemy, which makes me more honored that my songs express the Palestinian people’s resistance to the Occupation,” the singer said.
According to Doha News, the song was removed after the Israeli group We Believe in Israel (WBII) launched a petition urging the streaming platforms to eliminate “violent extremist anti-Semitic content.” The petition garnered nearly 4,000 signatures.
Assaf responded to the accusations by emphasizing his commitment to the Palestinian cause. “This accusation increases my honor and belonging to my homeland … Even if they delete this song, it is present in the memory and conscience of every Palestinian and every honorable free man who defends the right of the Palestinian people to obtain their freedom and independence.”
He further criticized the removal of his song, describing the move as an act of hostility towards freedom, justice, and the Palestinian cause.
The incident triggered widespread backlash on social media among Palestinians and the broader Arab and Muslim communities, many of whom threatened to boycott the streaming platforms.
“Apparently now even Palestinian songs are antisemitic. Spotify really? I hope you will be boycotted en masse!” said a social media user.
Palestinian writer and activist Ehab Judeh said on Twitter: “After mass outcry Spotify the popular music streaming service brought back the famous Palestinian song Dammi Falastini “My blood is Palestinian” by Mohammad Assaf after deleting it from its platform under Zionist pressure, accusing him of anti-semitism.”
He added that Apple Music is yet to address the incident or bring the Palestinian song back to its platform.
