taylor swift tour israel

Taylor Swift 'Eras Tour' bodyguard fights in Israel-Hamas war

A bodyguard on Taylor Swift 's recent "Eras Tour" has traveled to Israel to join the country's military forces ahead of a seemingly imminent ground invasion of Gaza .

Israel confirmed the unnamed bodyguard had arrived in posts Thursday on X and Instagram, tagging the singer. The guard had told the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom that he has a "comfortable" life in the U.S. but "couldn't stand by" and watch from abroad while families suffered, the  Times of Israel reported .

The bodyguard received a flood of social media attention earlier this year after videos of him protecting the singer went viral.

It is unclear whether the bodyguard is part of Swift's team or was independently hired by a stadium.

So far, Swift, 33, has not spoken publicly about the Israel-Hamas war. Her "Eras Tour" concert movie is currently in theaters.

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USA TODAY has reached out to Swift's representatives for comment and clarification on if the bodyguard is a part of her team.

Israeli military forces on Friday continued pounding the Gaza Strip with heavy airstrikes, slamming areas in the south where Palestinians had been told to seek safety, prompting many to return north as hundreds of trucks packed with humanitarian aid stayed piled up at the Egypt-Gaza border.

"Airstrikes, coupled with extremely difficult living conditions in the south, appear to have pushed some to return to the north, despite the continuing heavy bombing there," Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the  U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said on Friday .

The death toll of Israelis and Palestinians surpassed 5,000, making the conflict the deadliest of five wars involving the narrow, densely populated strip of land bordering Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.

Contributing: Christopher Cann, Vanessa Arredondo, and Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY

American hostages released; Israeli airstrikes pound Gaza; aid remains stalled: Live updates

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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Security Guard Joins Israel's IDF: Reports

The ongoing fight between Israel and Hamas began with Hamas' deadly attack on Israeli citizens on Oct. 7

John Shearer/Getty

Taylor Swift 's Eras Tour security guard has gone back home to join Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the ongoing fight against Hamas .

According to Variety , the security guard — who prefers to remain anonymous — chose to leave the United States and fight as he saw tragedy unfold in his home country.

The news first broke on the Israeli outlet Israel Hayom , which said he was born at a Kibbutz in Israel but had been working in America, Variety reported.

“I have a pretty great life back in the U.S.,” the star's former security guard — who went viral this summer in a video where he guards Swift — told the Israel Hayom, in a statement shared with Variety .

He added, “I got an amazing dream job that I love, great friends that I call family and a very comfortable home. I didn’t HAVE to come here… But I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes!!! Just for being Jewish or for being Israelis.”

He also condemned Hamas (also known as the Islamic Resistance Movement) and urged people to stand with Israel.

“While one side is protecting babies, kids and the elderly, the other side is using those as human shields!!! It’ll be an insult to animals worldwide to call them ‘animals’ but those are not human beings,” he said of Hamas, which the United States deemed a terrorist group in 1997, according to the AP .

“They killed and slaughtered families in their beds alongside family’s pets!!!! And then they burned the houses down!!!! Try to imagine that happening in your own neighborhood, to your next door neighbors or to a family you know.”

He concluded, "I’m not only standing here with Israel and actually standing here. I’m standing here with humanity. Don’t be on the wrong side of history!! Don’t stand on the sidelines and say nothing…"

The fight between Israel and Hamas began with Hamas' deadly surprise  attack on Israeli civilians  on Oct. 7. Since then, Israel vowed to defend itself, calling for the immediate evacuation of 1.1 million civilians in Gaza City ahead of planned strikes.

According to the AP  and  Reuters , 1,400 people, including 31 Americans, have been killed in the Hamas attacks in Israel, while roughly 2,800 Palestinians have been reported killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza.

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Taylor Swift Era’s tour security guard joins Israeli forces in war against Hamas

‘i could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes,’ former security guard said in a statement, article bookmarked.

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A former security guard who protected Taylor Swift during the summer leg of her Eras Tour has returned to his homeland of Israel to fight for his country in the catastrophic war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas .

Israeli journalist Eran Swisa of Israel Today broke the news on his TikTok and Instagram on Sunday (15 October), praising the guard for leaving his life in America behind to join the fight.

Variety confirmed on Monday (16 October) that the guard has travelled to Israel in order to join the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) reserves.

Swisa told Variety that the man was born in a Kibbutz in Israel before he found work in America.

“I got a pretty great life back in the US,” Swift’s former security guard told Swisa in a statement he shared with Variety . “I got an amazing dream job that I love, great friends that I call family and a very comfortable home. I didn’t HAVE to come here… But I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes!!! Just for being Jewish or for being Israelis.”

He went on to condemn Hamas in his message, urging others to stand with Israel.

“While one side is protecting babies, kids and the elderly, the other side is using those as human shields!!! It’ll be an insult to animals worldwide to call them ‘animals’ but those are not human beings,” the guard said of Hamas.

“They killed and slaughtered families in their beds alongside family’s [sic] pets!!!! And then they burned the houses down!!!! Try to imagine that happening in your own neighborhood, to your next door neighbours or to a family you know.”

It is not yet known whether the man was hired directly by Swift or by the tour’s stadium. The Independent has contacted Swift’s representative for comment.

The “Anti-Hero” singer, 33 – who has dominated recent headlines with her record-breaking box office Eras Tour movie , along with her highly publicised relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce – is preparing to wrap up the US leg of her Eras Tour from 18 October to 4 November. Swift will then embark on the international leg of her tour later that month.

Swift has not yet made any public remarks regarding the Israel-Hamas War.

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Israel Confirms That Taylor Swift’s Bodyguard Has Arrived Home to Fight in Hamas War

"We promise you'll never find another like him," the state tweeted on Thursday (Oct. 19).

By Gil Kaufman

Gil Kaufman

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Taylor Swift ‘s bodyguard landed safely in Israel on Thursday (Oct. 19) after taking leave from his job guarding the pop star to return home to help fight in Israel’s war against terror group Hamas. “Hey @taylorswift, we promise you’ll never find another like him [blue heart emoji],” read a social post from the State of Israel.

Madonna, Lauren Jauregui & More Weigh in on Israel-Hamas Conflict as Violence Continues

“Taylor Swift’s #ErasTour body guard returned home to fight for his country. We love your Eran [Israeli flag, heart emoji].”

Trending on Billboard

Prior to his return, the guard (whose name is being withheld for his safety) told Israeli journalist Eran Swisa, “I got a pretty great life back in the U.S. I got an amazing dream job that I love, great friends that I call family and a very comfortable home. I didn’t HAVE to come here… But I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes!!! Just for being Jewish or for being Israelis.”

The guard — who went viral earlier this summer when Swifties praised him for his fierce crowd-scanning skills — added, “I’m not only standing here with Israel and actually standing here. I’m standing here with humanity,” according to the statement released shared by Swisa. “Don’t be on the wrong side of history!! Don’t stand on the sidelines and say nothing… Stand with Israel, stand with HUMANITY!!!!!”

After his quick trip to Israel on Wednesday to meet with the nation’s leaders as a show of U.S. support in advance of what is expected to be a major Israeli land incursion into Gaza to root out Hamas, President Biden took to prime time on Thursday night to plead with Americans to stand behind the nation (as well as Ukraine) and make a case for providing military and economic aid to both nations to shore up global, and national, security.

Since the Hamas attack two weeks ago Israel has been pounding Gaza with airstrikes, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths, 13,000 injured and the displacement of more than 1 million Palestinian civilians. Israel has called up more than 360,000 reservists to join what is expected to be a long, difficult battle against militant group Hamas, which has reportedly been telling Palestinians attempting to flee south in advance of the Israeli land campaign to stay put , further jeopardizing their safety in the face of what is expected to be a devastating show of force from Israel.

Check out the State of Israel’s post below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Israel (@stateofisrael)

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Israel-Gaza War: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Bodyguard Joins Israeli Forces In War Against Hamas

The bodyguard, whose identity hasn't been revealed, decided to fly back home and join the israeli defence forces (idf) reserves after he saw the deadly attacks on israeli citizens by hamas..

The bodyguard was born in a Kibbutz in Israel before he moved to America for work.

Taylor Swift's bodyguard who protected her during the summer leg of her Eras Tour has returned to his homeland Israel to fight for his country against Hamas operatives. According to The Independent , the bodyguard, whose identity hasn't been revealed, decided to fly back home and join the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reserves after he saw the deadly attacks on Israeli citizens by Hamas. He left the United States after the first strike took place on October 7. 

The news first broke as Israeli journalist Eran Swisa spotted the security guard fighting in the IDF. Variety magazine later confirmed that the guard has indeed travelled to Israel in order to join the IDF reserves. Mr Swisa told the outlet that the man was born in a Kibbutz in Israel before he moved to America for work. 

"I got a pretty great life back in the US," Ms Swift's former security guard told Mr Swisa in a statement he shared with Variety . "I got an amazing dream job that I love, great friends that I call family and a very comfortable home. I didn't HAVE to come here... But I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes!!! Just for being Jewish or for being Israelis," the bodyguard added. 

Also Read |  US Man Used Phone, Apple Watch To Locate Daughter Who Was Killed By Hamas

He also condemned Hamas operatives in his statement and urged others to stand with Israel. "While one side is protecting babies, kids and the elderly, the other side is using those as human shields!!! It'll be an insult to animals worldwide to call them 'animals' but those are not human beings," he said of Hamas.

"They killed and slaughtered families in their beds alongside family's [sic] pets!!!! And then they burned the houses down!!!! Try to imagine that happening in your own neighborhood, to your next door neighbours or to a family you know," the security guard added. 

Promoted Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

Israel was caught off-guard by Hamas last weekend as the group attacked its civilians. In response, Israel also launched airstrikes on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and even stopped food and electricity supply to the region. 

On Tuesday, the Israeli military said that around 500,000 Israelis have been evacuated and displaced in the 10 days since Hamas unleashed the bloodiest attack in the country's history. Israel's airstrikes, on the other hand, have claimed at least 2,750 lives in Gaza. 

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Taylor Swift fans in Israel can still see ‘The Eras Tour’ film there

If your time is short.

• Tickets are still available for screenings of "The Eras Tour" in Israel.

Fans of superstar singer Taylor Swift can now see "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" film in theaters worldwide, but recent social media posts suggest that’s not so if they live in Israel.

"Taylor Swift pulls Eras film screenings in Israel," reads the text in a video shared Nov. 6 on Instagram. In the video, a woman says people were sharing what appeared to be screenshots of Swift’s website showing a message that said, "All screenings for this country are postponed until further notice." 

This post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta , which owns Facebook and Instagram.)

When PolitiFact visited Swift’s website for the movie Nov. 8, tickets were available for the movie in Israel. 

Featured Fact-check

TMZ reported Nov. 6 that a "technical issue" that day meant "people who were going to Taylor’s official website for the ‘Eras’ movie could not pull up Israeli locations at all." The celebrity news website said the delay was caused by a "third-party company" and that "even while tickets in Israel were temporarily not available to the public on TS’s site, we confirmed you could still go to individual Israeli theater chains/sites and purchase tickets there." 

That same day, The Jerusalem Post reported that fans in Jerusalem had attended a Nov. 4 screening of "The Eras Tour." 

So far, Swift hasn’t taken a stance on the Israel-Hamas war, despite pressure from people on both sides.

We rate claims that she pulled her movie from Israel False.

Read About Our Process

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Our Sources

Instagram post , Nov. 6, 2023

The Daily Beast, Taylor Swift Faces Pressure on Both Sides of Israel-Gaza War , Nov. 6, 2023

Express, Taylor Swift's Eras movie still playing in Israel despite political statement claims , Nov. 7, 2023

TMZ, TAYLOR SWIFT 'ERAS' MOVIE STILL PLAYING IN ISRAEL … Despite Rumors to Contrary , Nov. 6, 2023

The Jerusalem Post, Fearless Swift fans celebrate concert film in Jerusalem , Nov. 6, 2023

Taylor Swift’s website , visited Nov. 8, 2023

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I Can See You: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour movie will screen in Israel in October

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Breaking news, taylor swift’s ‘eras tour’ bodyguard flies back to israel to fight against hamas.

Taylor Swift’s bodyguard has reportedly returned home to Israel to volunteer in the Israeli Defense Forces amid the war with Hamas .

The unidentified security guard, who gained online fame during Swift’s “Eras Tour” this summer, posted a picture in his military uniform to his Facebook on Sunday, writing, in part, ‘I Stand with Israel… shouldn’t be just about a person stands with the one and only Jewish state. It should be “I stand with humanity!!!”

“While one side is protecting babies kids and the elderly, the other side is using those as human shields,” he wrote. “It’ll be an insult to animals worldwide to call them ‘animals’ but those are not human beings. They killed and slaughtered families in their beds alongside family’s pets!!!! And then they burned the houses down!!!! Try to imagine that happening in your own neighborhood, to your next door neighbors or to a family you know.”

Israeli journalist Eran Swissa from “Israel Today” broke the news of Swift’s guard enlisting and told Variety on Monday that the guard was born at a kibbutz in Israel but had been working in America.

The guard added on Facebook, “I got a pretty great life back in the US… got an amazing dream job that I love, great friends that I call family, and a very comfortable home.”

“I didn’t HAVE to come here… But I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes!!! Just for being jewish or for being Israelis.”

He continued, “I’m not only standing here with Israel and actually standing here!!! I’m standing here with humanity… don’t be on the wrong side of history!! Don’t stand on the sidelines and say nothing… Stand with Israel, stand with HUMANITY!!!!!”

The Post has contacted reps for Swissa and Swift for comment.

The “Anti-Hero” singer has not publicly addressed the conflict in Israel .

Meanwhile, Swift’s rumored boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, 34, stepped in as her bodyguard over the weekend in New York City.

During their outing, the “Catching Kelce” alum reportedly “told her security guard that he could step aside like he’d take it from here.”

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Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Security Guard Leaves for Israel to Join the IDF

A security guard who protected Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour this summer is now back home in Israel to fight for his country against Hamas.

Variety has confirmed that the security guard, who wishes to keep his name anonymous, made the choice to leave the United States to join the IDF reserves as he saw the deadly attacks by Hamas on Israeli citizens.

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Eran Swisa, an Israeli journalist from “Israel Today,” broke the news that the security guard who worked with Swift had left America to fight in the IDF. Swisa tells Variety that he was born at a Kibbutz in Israel but had been working in America.

It is not clear whether the security guard was employed by Swift or the tour stadium, or how closely he worked with the star. Swift’s rep did not respond to Variety ‘s request for comment.

“I got a pretty great life back in the U.S.,” Swift’s former security guard told Swisa, in a statement that he shared with Variety . “I got an amazing dream job that I love, great friends that I call family and a very comfortable home. I didn’t HAVE to come here… But I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes!!! Just for being Jewish or for being Israelis.”

This summer, Swift’s security guard went viral on social media for protecting Swift while she was on tour. Fans commented on his security detail, as he carefully watched over the star.

“thanks so much for coming” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/0Vjld6hhoE — marley 🩵 (@marleyharper) July 9, 2023

The guard condemns Hamas in his statement, and urges people to stand with Israel and not stay silent.

“While one side is protecting babies, kids and the elderly, the other side is using those as human shields!!! It’ll be an insult to animals worldwide to call them ‘animals’ but those are not human beings,” the guard says of Hamas. “They killed and slaughtered families in their beds alongside family’s [sic] pets!!!! And then they burned the houses down!!!! Try to imagine that happening in your own neighborhood, to your next door neighbors or to a family you know.”

“I’m not only standing here with Israel and actually standing here. I’m standing here with humanity,” the guard said to Swisa, who posted about the news on his TikTok and Instagram . “Don’t be on the wrong side of history!! Don’t stand on the sidelines and say nothing… Stand with Israel, stand with HUMANITY!!!!!”

Swift, so far, has not said anything publicly about the Israel-Hamas war. The pop star is currently promoting the release of her “Eras Tour” film, which topped the box office this weekend. Over the past week since the war broke out, she also attended an NFL game to watch her rumored boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and made a cameo appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” after which she was seen holding hands with Kelce in paparazzi pictures.

Asked if Swift plans to make a statement about Israel and Gaza, or has made a donation to humanitarian efforts in the Middle East, a representative for the singer did not respond to Variety ‘s request for comment. Over the weekend, Swift’s close friends, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, donated $1 million to help children in Israel and Gaza, sources tell Variety .

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A growing number of Swifties are calling on Taylor Swift to break her silence on Gaza

Ahead of the Madrid leg of Taylor Swift’s globe-trotting Eras Tour, some fans had their minds on more than just her set.

In the hours before her Wednesday concert, the hashtag #SwiftiesForPalestine was among the top trends on X, easily besting the hashtag for that evening’s show. Many posts called on concert attendees to take signs to or fly Palestinian flags at the event, hoping they’d catch Swift’s attention and encourage her to speak out.  

The hashtag continued to spread Thursday morning with more than 133,000 posts, according to X’s trending page, many of them coming from fan accounts that have posted about Swift for years.

It’s a sentiment that has been building for a while around many celebrities and Swift in particular, with her sizable and vocal fan base, which, when mobilized, can be a formidable political force . In recent days, the scattered activism has boiled over into more palpable outrage — largely driven by Israel’s military offensive in Rafah and an airstrike this month that set a refugee camp aflame, with graphic pictures of the aftermath spreading online . The Israel Defense Forces has said that it was targeting two senior Hamas militants and that tent shelters were not in the immediate vicinity. 

“Seeing all these devastating images and videos from Rafah has awoken something in all of us, and we would love Taylor’s support. A lot of people with influence are speaking out, and we see the effects this has,” said Sarah Smits, a Swiftie from Belgium who runs a fan account with more than 56,000 followers on X. 

The conflict has been ongoing for more than six months, and Israel has said it will continue to fight to free roughly 125 people Hamas is believed to still hold captive in Gaza. 

Swift, arguably the most famous and popular person in the U.S. , has not made any comments about Israel or Gaza since the conflict began. And while she has at times weighed in on U.S. politics (most notably on abortion rights and legislation that has targeted the LGBTQ community ), she has also faced scrutiny from her fans over her silence on various issues. Other fans, however, have expressed concern that voicing a stance on contentious global political issues could compromise her safety on an international tour.

Smits, who said she watches every Eras Tour livestream and has spotted Palestinian flags in the audience, plans to take her own pro-Palestinian friendship bracelets when she attends one of Swift’s July shows in Amsterdam.

“The impact Taylor Swift would have would be enormous, and so her silence is frustrating,” she said.

The push comes alongside a wider social media movement that has refocused attention on Israel’s push into Rafah, a city Israel had once designated as a safe zone . On Instagram, a particularly viral image that appeared to have been generated by artificial intelligence showed refugee tents that spelled out “All Eyes on Rafah.” Some Swifties seized on the image, which was criticized in its own right for drowning out real images from the ground in Rafah, after Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, who have produced much of Swift’s music, both reshared it on Instagram this week.

Many Swifties also noted that Paramore, the band that is opening for Swift during the European leg of the Eras Tour, shared a statement on its Instagram story Wednesday spotlighting Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders, nongovernmental organizations providing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

A representative for Swift did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As part of their push, some people on X resurfaced a clip of remarks Swift made in her 2020 Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana,” in which she expressed regret over not having spoken out against Donald Trump during the 2016 election. 

“I need to be on the right side of history,” she tells her family and public relations staff.

Swift faced some backlash after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel over a film of a concert she performed earlier in the year played in Jerusalem , as concerns were growing about the conflict and its humanitarian consequences in Gaza. 

Now, more Pro-Palestinian sentiment has surfaced at some of her recent shows. Photos of concertgoers with Palestinian flags or holding up bedazzled, Swift-themed pro-Palestinian posters circulated across social media this week as Swifties online encouraged one another — especially those who have scored front-row Eras Tour seats — to display them at her shows in hope she would take notice.

Many also urged attendees to make and trade Swift-themed friendship bracelets (an activity that has become customary at her shows) that incorporate pro-Palestinian messaging and to tag social media posts from the show with #SwiftiesForPalestine.

Swift was also named on several of the #Blockout2024 and “digital guillotine” lists circulating this month as social media users organized a controversial campaign to block hundreds of celebrities and influencers who have not been vocal about Gaza. Some stars on the block lists, such as rapper Lizzo and influencer Chris Olsen, posted their first public videos about Gaza after the campaign began.

The pressure on her Swift appears to be propelled, at least in part, by the understanding that she now commands an audience that can quickly spring into action. In an open letter to Swift shared online Wednesday, a fan account wrote that even the “smallest action” from her could inspire her massive fan base to “raise support for immediate humanitarian help” for Palestinians.

“The international community, including many influential voices, has called for justice and peace, yet the agony still continues,” the letter read. “Your influence transcends borders, and your words have the power to reach and activate an extensive audience, including people who are unaware of the severity of the genocide.”

Canadian Swiftie Mélina Loyer, who has been heavily involved in #SwiftiesForPalestine online, said the growing pro-Palestinian support from other big names in entertainment makes Swift’s lack of a public stance stand out even more.

“I think Swifties have officially had enough of Taylor’s silence because of big celebrities like Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa recently talking about their support for Palestine,” Loyer said, adding, “We think she no longer has an excuse to remain silent considering her big audience and the impact she has.”

Angela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

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'I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered!'

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An Israeli bodyguard who kept Taylor Swift safe during her Eras Tour has reportedly left the U.S. to protect Israel from Hamas terrorists.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour bodyguard reportedly returns to Israel to fight Hamas Back to video

The unidentified security worker, who went viral over the summer after a video circulated on social media showing him scanning a crowd of Swifties looking for possible threats to the singer, was seen in his military uniform in a post shared to Facebook.

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“thanks so much for coming” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/0Vjld6hhoE — marley 🩵 (@marleyharper) July 9, 2023

Swift’s protector became an online sensation for his no-nonsense demeanour as the Cruel Summer singer made her way through a gaggle of fans during a Kansas City tour stop. “Bro watched The Bodyguard , he knows what’s at stake!” one person tweeted, while another added: “Give the man a raise!”

Israeli journalist Eran Swisa broke the news of Swift’s guard enlisting and told Variety that he was born at a Kibbutz in Israel but had been working in America.

“I got a pretty great life back in the U.S.,” the guard, who wishes to stay anonymous, told Swisa in a statement shared with Variety . “I got an amazing dream job that I love, great friends that I call family and a very comfortable home. I didn’t HAVE to come here… But I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes!!! Just for being Jewish or for being Israelis.

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“I’m not only standing here with Israel and actually standing here. I’m standing here with humanity,” the statement continued, according to Swisa — who shared the news on TikTok  and  Instagram . “Don’t be on the wrong side of history!! Don’t stand on the sidelines and say nothing… Stand with Israel, stand with HUMANITY!!!!!”

The guard went on to condemn Hamas for violence that began on Oct. 7 when gunmen stormed into Israel and killed more than 1,400 Israelis.

“While one side is protecting babies, kids and the elderly, the other side is using those as human shields!!! It’ll be an insult to animals worldwide to call them ‘animals’ but those are not human beings,” the guard said of Hamas. “They killed and slaughtered families in their beds alongside family’s (sic) pets!!!! And then they burned the houses down!!!! Try to imagine that happening in your own neighbourhood, to your next door neighbours or to a family you know.”

Swift has yet to issue a statement on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, but the pop star has been enjoying a high-profile relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

This past weekend the pair made a surprise cameo appearance on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live . Afterwards, the couple attended the cast party and stayed out “until after 4 a.m.”

“Taylor and Travis were there all night and they were so smiley, they were so happy,” an insider told PEOPLE . “They were so talkative. They were really fun. They talked to every single person in the room that talked to them.”

One source told Entertainment Tonight that “they kissed throughout the evening,” while another added that later on in the night the two-time Super Bowl champ became the Anti-Hero star’s personal protector.

“At one point, he actually told her security guard that he could step aside, like he’d take it from here.”

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X: @markhdaniell

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Taylor Swift Eras Tour movie to air in Israel

Swifties of israel, rejoice taylor swift: the eras tour, the movie of the most successful concert tour in history, will be shown in israeli theaters, starting october 13..

Why is Taylor Swift releasing a movie of her Eras Tour concerts?

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Taylor swift’s era’s tour bodyguard arrives in israel to fight in hamas war, state of israel confirms.

The same guard had caused a stir on the internet earlier for his skills in protecting the pop star throughout the massive Era’s Tour. He declared that he was fighting for “humanity”.

• Who is Taylor Swift? Taylor Swift is a highly acclaimed American singer-songwriter who has achieved immense success in the music industry. Born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift began her career in country music and later transitioned to pop music. She is known for her storytelling songwriting style, which often draws from her personal experiences.
• Where to watch Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour Movie? At the moment, the sole option for fans to enjoy The Eras Tour movie is by visiting their nearby movie theater.

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Taylor Swift Film Is Being Screened in Israel, Contrary to Online Post

By Hadleigh Zinsner

Posted on November 9, 2023

As some celebrities issued statements in response to the Israel-Hamas war, a video posted to social media falsely claimed that pop star Taylor Swift stopped screenings of her new film in Israel. But it was technical difficulties with showtime schedules that made screenings appear unavailable in Israel. Screenings of the film have continued in Israel.

Some celebrities have made public statements of support for Israelis and concern for Gaza residents amid the fighting between Israel and Hamas, which began with the Palestinian militant group’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

The Associated Press reported that more than 10,000 Palestinians have died, citing the Gaza health ministry on Nov. 6, and about 1,400 people have died in Israel. AP said the Gaza health ministry “does not distinguish between fighters and civilians,” while most of the Israelis killed were civilians killed in the Hamas surprise attack on Oct. 7.

The conflict has fueled a firestorm of misinformation on social media, as we’ve previously written, and the online claims recently cast a spotlight on one of America’s most popular cultural figures.

A video was posted on Instagram on Nov. 6 with the caption, “Taylor Swift Pulls Eras Film Screenings In Israel,” referring to the singer-songwriter’s concert tour movie. The Instagram video is narrated by celebrity news vlogger Rivet Soro. In the video, Soro says, “Looks like Taylor Swift has pulled ‘Eras’ tour screenings in Israel until further notice.” The post has received more than 6,800 likes.

In the video, Soro shares a screenshot from the film’s official website, in which a search for showings in Israel yields the error message, “All screenings for this country are postponed until further notice.”

Many commenters, believing the Soro’s post to be accurate, expressed support for Swift. “Great job tay!” wrote one user. 

But the claim is false. As the entertainment news site TMZ reported , technical difficulties — not a political statement — had made showtime schedules, managed by a third-party company, appear unavailable in Israel. The website now shows numerous results for screenings in Israel. 

An article in the Jerusalem Post on Nov. 6 featured interviews with Israeli fans of Swift who saw the film in Jerusalem over the weekend. Even as the website said screenings in Israel were postponed, they were still taking place. 

We were unable to reach Swift’s representatives for comment.

Swift has faced pressure from both sides of the conflict to speak out. As Newsweek reported, some of Swift’s fans recently started using the hashtag #SwiftiesForPalestine on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Meanwhile, the verified X account for the state of Israel has urged Swift to call for the return of an Israeli hostage who is a fan of the pop star. 

Editor’s note:  FactCheck.org  is one of several organizations  working with Facebook  to debunk misinformation shared on social media. Our previous stories can be found  here . Facebook has  no control  over our editorial content.

Bigg, Matthew Mpoke.  “What We Know About the War Between Israel and Hamas.”  New York Times. 2 Nov 2023.

Brown, Hannah. “ Fearless Swift fans celebrate concert film in Jerusalem .” The Jerusalem Post. 6 Nov 2023.

Christensen, Sean.  “Posts Use Fabricated Audio to Misrepresent CNN Report During Rocket Attack in Israel.”  FactCheck.org. 23 Oct 2023.

Hale Spencer, Sara and D’Angelo Gore.  “What We Know About Three Widespread Israel-Hamas War Claims.”  FactCheck.org. Updated 24 Oct 2023.

Izevbigie, Blossom. “Online Video Misrepresents Putin Speech Commemorating WWII Victory.” FactCheck.org. 2 Nov 2023.

Jobain, Najib, Jack Jeffery and Lee Keath. “Israeli forces cut off north Gaza to isolate Hamas as an advance on the urban center looms.” Associated Press. 6 Nov 2023.

Moorman, Taijuan and KiMi Robinson. “Celebrities call for ceasefire, decry civilian deaths: Hollywood reacts to Israel-Hamas war.” USA Today. Updated 7 Nov 2023.

Sachdeva, Maanya. “Madonna and Natali Portman lead celebrity reactions to Israel-Hamas conflict.” The Independent. 13 Oct 2023.

Smith, Ryan. “ Israel asks Taylor Swift for Help .” Newsweek. 7 Nov 2023.

TMZ. “ Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ Movie Still Playing in Israel… Despite Rumors to Contrary .” Nov 6 2023.

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Taylor swift says canceling vienna tour dates after planned terrorist attack “filled me with a new sense of fear”.

The superstar also expressed gratitude to the authorities, "because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives."

By Christy Piña

Christy Piña

Associate Editor

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Taylor Swift has broken her silence following the cancellation of her Vienna Eras Tour shows due to a terrorist threat.

The superstar took to her Instagram to share her usual wrap-up post, which she shares at the end of every tour city. In this lengthy carousel, she addressed having to cancel her tour dates because of a planned terrorist attack that was set to take place during the shows in Austria’s capital.

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She explained that all the energy she had built up from not having to perform in Vienna, she brought to her final five shows in London. She added that she and her team worked hand in hand with British authorities and stadium staff to make sure that those record-breaking shows in Wembley Stadium were safe.

“Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows,” Swift continued. “In cases like this one, ‘silence’ is actually showing restraint, and waiting to express yourself at a time when it’s right to. My priority was finishing our European tour safely, and it is with great relief that I can say we did that.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)

Swift’s emotional post comes a few weeks after three of her shows were canceled and three teenagers were arrested over a terrorist plot where her concerts were set to take place.

The main suspect, a 19-year-old, planned to target people who gathered outside the stadium — which could be up to 30,000 a night — with knives or homemade explosives. Two other teens were arrested and a 15-year-old was interrogated but released.

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