FILE - In this May 9, 2012 file photo, Stevie Wonder performs during the "In Performance at the White House" in the East Room of the White House in Washington, honoring songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Wonder is calling off a concert for a group that raises money for the Israeli military. Wonder had been scheduled to perform on Dec. 6, 2012 for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, which raises money for Israeli soldiers and their families. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
November 30, 2012 - 2:54 PM
WASHINGTON - Stevie Wonder is calling off a concert for a group that raises money for the Israeli military.
Wonder had been scheduled to perform next week for Friends of the Israel Defence Forces, which raises money for Israeli soldiers and their families.
Wonder said the United Nations recommended cancelling his performance because he is an official "Messenger of Peace" for the organization. The United Nations overwhelmingly voted to recognize a Palestinian state on Thursday over vehement U.S. and Israeli objections as hopes for Mideast peace talks stalled.
Wonder said in a statement he was cancelling with a heavy heart but that "I am and have always been against war, any war, anywhere."
Several petitions had called on Wonder to cancel the performance.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012