Actress and singer Demi Lovato took to Instagram on Tuesday to share her “absolutely magical” experience being baptized in Israel.
“I am an American singer. I was raised Christian and have Jewish ancestors,” Lovato wrote. “When I was offered an amazing opportunity to visit the places I’d read about in the Bible growing up, I said yes. There is something absolutely magical about Israel.”
The 27-year-old went on to explain that she felt a spiritual connection to God while she was there that is unlike anything she’s experienced in years.
“I’ve never felt such a sense of spirituality or connection to God…something I’ve been missing for a few years now,” she wrote. “Spirituality is so important to me…to be baptized in the Jordan river – the same place Jesus was baptized – I’ve never felt more renewed in my life.”
The singer also posted photos of her visits to other sites, including Yad Vashem (The World Holocaust Center in Jerusalem) and the Shalva National Center, a nonprofit that supports children with special needs and disabilities.
“My heart was absolutely broken in Yad Vashem,” Lovato wrote in a different Instagram post. “This was such a beautiful tribute and a reminder that we can never forget.”
She also noted that she “fell in love” with one of the little girls at Shalva National Center.
While many celebrated Lovato’s baptism in Christ and heightened spiritual awareness during her trip, the backlash was equally fierce.
The comments on her baptism photo have been disabled, but that hasn’t stopped critics from littering her comment sections on other posts with anti-Israel and pro-Palestine remarks.
“Are you kidding me? Palestine literally exists,” one person quipped. “Free Palestine.”
In addition to the #FreePalestine remarks, many called the singer a racist along with slinging numerous other character attacks.
Lovato has yet to comment on the push back, refusing to let the negativity damper the life-changing, divine encounter she treasures so dearly.
“This trip has been so important for my well-being, my heart, and my soul,” she wrote. “I’m grateful for the memories made and the opportunity to be able to fill the God-sized hole in my heart. Thank you for having me, Israel.”
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