Popular American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo published an Instagram Story Saturday night to her 39.4 million followers calling for fundraising for children in Gaza through the UN’s international emergency fund.
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak I feel witnessing the devastation that is being inflicted upon innocent people in Palestine. Mothers, fathers, and children in Gaza are starving, dehydrated, and being denied access to basic medical care and humanitarian aid,” Rodrigo wrote in her post.
“There is no child in Israel, Palestine, or anywhere in the world who deserves to suffer through what we’re seeing these children have to endure. It is horrific and completely unacceptable. To give up on them is to give up on our shared humanity,” she also wrote.
The 22-year-old singer ended her message with a link to donate to UNICEF’s international emergency fund. “I donated to help the victims of this terrible situation, and I encourage you to do so if you have the means.”
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Rodrigo, who first gained fame as an actress in Disney youth series, launched her music career in 2021 with her debut single “Drivers License,” which immediately reached number one on the Billboard chart and made her one of the leading voices in the industry.
That same year she released her debut album "Sour," which earned her three Grammy Awards. About two years later she released her second album "Guts," which was critically acclaimed. Beyond her commercial and artistic success, last week it was reported that Rodrigo funded psychological treatment for members of her touring band and crew.
Rodrigo’s statements on social media join other artists' calls to take a stance and act regarding what is happening in Gaza. Last week it was Billie Eilish who responded against the plan presented by Minister Israel Katz to move Gaza civilians to a “humanitarian city” to be built on the ruins of Rafah, calling it “shocking.