(JTA) – Matisyahu said that he was proud to stand up to the BDS supporters who attempted to bar him from playing at a Spanish music festival. “I’m glad that it happened in the end,” the American Jewish reggae singer told Haaretz on Oct. 7, after visiting the Peres Center for Peace in Jaffa, Israel. “I was given the opportunity to stand up for what I believe in and, as a proud Jew, to stand up for Israel.” Matisyahu will perform at the Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem on Saturday night.

In the meeting Wednesday with former Israeli President Shimon Peres, Matisyahu said he was proud to play in Israel, especially during the violence in Jerusalem. “I think it’s an important thing for Jews outside of Israel, American Jews like myself, to come to Israel no matter what’s happening here,” he said. Peres told the singer, “Not only do you represent peace and hope and togetherness, but also courage.”