A couple of weeks ago, a Facebook group called “Against Jennifer Lopez Performing in Occupied Cyprus” came to my attention. Being a Greek-American and half Cypriot, I immediately investigated and found out that Ms. Lopez was scheduled to perform in Cyprus on July 24th, as part of the opening of the Cartos Premium Hotel and in celebration of her 41st birthday. The uproar was due to the fact that the event was not an ordinary concert at some new 5-star hotel at a Mediterranean resort, it was a hotel that is located in the town of Kyrenia, which is one of the many towns occupied unlawfully by the Turks.
Why would this be so personal? Because my Grandparents are from Kyrenia and their land was unlawfully taken away from them during the Turkish occupation of Cyprus in 1974. Even though they had to come to the United States many years prior and became American citizens (like they use to do back in the day), there is no recourse for them to claim what is rightfully theirs. In brief, the Turks invaded the northern half of Cyprus, brutalizing its citizens and evicting 180,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes as Turkish Forces settled the Turks into the properties of those displaced Greeks.
The events were a violation of the Geneva Convention and various UN resolutions. In 1983, Turkish Cypriots proclaimed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which is recognized only by Turkey. So when I read about J. Lo’s concert it affected me as well as many others of Greek heritage.
Believe me, I get it, if you are blessed enough to have a high profile career like Ms. Lopez, people will pay $3 million dollars for an evening in your presence. God Bless you that is your path, but no matter what amount of money or accolades you will attain from the experience, one really must know who they are breaking bread with. I was not hopeful all the website groups and the subsequent emails to Ms. Lopez’s and her agents would have an affect because I, for one, did not think they would even be aware of the severity of that island’s history. Additionally, for someone who does not have a vested interest, who cares? — it’s one night, you fly in on a private jet, you belt out 8 songs, you are fed well, photographed, put up in a beautiful suite and then flown out on a private jet the next day. So I was shocked when I read a few days ago that Ms. Lopez withdrew from her commitment with the Cartos Hotel and made the following statement:
“Jennifer Lopez would never knowingly support any state, country, institution or regime that was associated with any form of human rights abuse, after a full review of the relevant circumstances in Cyprus, it was the decision of her advisors to withdraw from the appearance. This was a team decision that reflects our sensitivity to the political realities of the region.”
Jennifer please allow me to say “Euxaristo Para Poli”–which is thank you very much in Greek. I was so impressed that you took a stance and you and your people took the time to investigate the situation.
Unfortunately, in the litigious world that we live in, Ms. Lopez has been threatened with a $35-$40 million lawsuit for reneging on her obligation. I wouldn’t expect anything else from full-fledged thieves. In the end it will cost her at the very least legal fees, but she made the right decision this time — not taking blood money and doing what was morally and ethically correct.
It’s very much appreciated J.Lo, and a tray of homemade baklava is on me!
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