Nick Cave (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Australian Singer joins a growing list of prominent artists who are proud to be defying BDS by performing in Israel.

Australian rock singer Nick Cave is in Israel for two concerts in Tel Aviv, and he says that the anti-Israel BDS movement was his motivation. Cave is performing to sellout audiences in the 11,000 seat Menorah Mivtachim Arena.

Cave told reporters that he has been approached by representatives of the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement, but he rejected their calls to stay out of Israel. “That made me feel like a coward, so as soon as I planned this tour, it was important for me to come out against this silencing of artists. I like Israel and Israelis and it was important for me to do something,” Cave explained.

It’s been 20 years since Cave last performed in Israel, and he says he is thrilled to be back. His visit is part of his current tour in support of his latest album “Skeleton Tree,” which has received rave reviews.

A partial list of top artists who performed in Israel last year includes Radiohead, the Pixies, Justin Bieber, Aerosmith, Guns and Roses, Rod Stewart, Tears for Fears, Grandaddy, Jose Gonzalez, Fatboy Slim, Jean-Michel Jarre, Paul Young, Vanessa Mae, Emir Kusturica and Ace of Base. Other top performers who have played in Israel in recent years include the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Alice Cooper, Rihanna, Sia and Elton John.