Rihanna plays before 50,000 in Tel Aviv, shunning BDS campaign

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Rihanna sang before a crowd of 50,000 in Tel Aviv at Israel’s largest performance venue, Yarkon Park.

Fans paid $100 and up for Tuesday’s show, part of the pop star’s “Diamonds” world tour and her second performance in Israel. She played Israel three years ago.

Rihanna came to Israel despite a campaign by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement to convince her to cancel her performance.

She arrived early Tuesday afternoon, six hours later than scheduled, after performing in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  She participated in a photo shoot at the Dead Sea.

Rihanna was expected to leave Israel immediately after the concert.