I remember seeing Yulduz Usmonova in concert in Brighton Beach with my Uzbek friends. It was Spring 2010. Frank Muradov, the founder of Uzbek Initiative — a community group I volunteered with during my early New York years — and my link to Rafael Nektalov, was there that night. It was exciting to have such a big star from Uzbekistan perform in the US, particularly during the Karimov era, and enjoy Uzbek music in New York City.
How times have changed. Singer Yulduz Usmonova, whose first name means «star,» put out her own light when she went on a series of post-October 7th antisemitic rants on social media, ultimately leading to the cancellation of all her upcoming US concerts.
People change, times change. What doesn’t change is our obligation to stand up to hate.
I’ve learned from the pieces below that I was not her only Jewish fan — and there is perhaps no greater betrayal than when an entertainer turns on the very people who loved her. I was confused, then angry. Dmitri Oster, whose essay follows mine, says he plans to throw out all her music. For those who aren’t there yet: feel free to listen to your favorite songs — just from home.
Her concerts were canceled. For Jewish New York, that was a win — and one we so needed.
By Erin Levi