Open call to cancel “LIFE AND THE DEAD SEA” event 18.5.2018

Open call to cancel “LIFE AND THE DEAD SEA” event 18.5.2018

https://www.facebook.com/events/546401995759613/

We are Israeli citizens. We are writing to urge Life and Death record label to cancel its upcoming event “LIFE AND THE DEAD SEA”, due to its deep complicity in Israel’s violations of international law and Palestinian human rights.

The event location is in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as exposed by Human Rights Watch and other human rights organisations. The location of the event “Metsoke Dragot” based in stolen Palestinian land, which Palestinians are not allowed to enter. Israel’s settlements contribute to grave human rights abuses and are a direct cause for restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement, access to natural resources and ability to build homes and conduct business.

As the main organiser and sponsor of this event, the Life and Death record label is lending its brand to cover up and whitewash Israel’s human rights abuses, including against Palestinian Musicians/Dj’s/Producers. They are denied the freedom of movement to attend their own gigs.

Life and Death’s production legitimises and gives international cover to Israel’s illegal settlements. UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016) denounces Israeli settlements as “flagrant violations” of international law. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is compiling a database of companies that do business in or with Israel’s illegal settlements as a practical step for accountability of complicit corporations.

Life and Death record label and the label’s artists such as DJ Tennis, Joakim, Lucy, Marvin & Guy, Rebolledo, Red Axes, The/Das & others would land it on this list based on the human rights criteria. In addition, this  project, taking place in the settlements, makes Life and Death complicit in violations of human rights and international law, and may expose it to consumer-led boycott campaigns in the Arab world and globally.

We urge you to comply with your social responsibility policy by cancelling this event and any  involvement in Israel’s grave violations of international law and human rights abuses against Palestinians.