BOYCOTT!

An appeal from Israeli citizens to Greek/Turkish musicians scheduled to perform at the Jerusalem OudFestival, November 2011

Dear Greek/Turkish musicians,

We are a group of Israelicitizens who support the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and sanctions(BDS) on Israel until it complies with international law and human-rightsvalues. [1] We are sure that you are talented musicians, and we would love theopportunity to attend your show, but at this time we would like to ask you toreconsider your planned performances in Israel!

Dear Metal Bands,

We are a group of Israeli citizens who support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS). We oppose our government's policies of racism, apartheid and occupation, and we strongly believe that without international pressure, it will be almost impossible to reverse these policies.

Israel's attempts to mask systematic human-rights abuses and decades-long oppression against the Palestinians, largely rely on its ability to maintain a progressive and democratic image in the eyes of the international community. It often promotes itself as "the only Democracy in the Middle East". However, Israel's apartheid policies are inherent even in something as seemingly light-hearted and joyous as a music show: Palestinian fans of your music living in the West Bank, in a land governed by Israel, are under martial-law and will not be permitted to come to Tel Aviv and enjoy your performance.

11 September 2011

International singer and songwriter Natacha Atlas cancelled her planned concert in Israel and announced Israel boycott.

Dear Natacha,

We are a group of Israeli citizens and residents who support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS). We are writing to congratulate you on your decision to make a brave act and cancel your scheduled concert in Israel.

Dear Philip Catherine,

We are a group of Israeli citizens who support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS). We oppose our government's policies of racism, apartheid and occupation, and we strongly believe that without international pressure, it will be almost impossible to reverse these policies.

Dear Marianne Faithfull,

“What are you fighting for
It’s not my security
It’s just an old war
Not even a cold war

Lose your father, your husband
Your mother, your children
What are you dying for
It’s not my reality
It’s just an old war
Not even a cold war”

~ Broken English

Dear members of Interpol, Blonde Redhead, and Jane's Addiction,

We are a group of Israeli citizens who support the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and sanction (BDS) on Israel until it complies with international law and human-rights values. [1] We love your music, and we would love the opportunity to attend your show, but at this time we would like to ask you to reconsider your planned performances in Israel.

Dear South African students,

We are members of BOYCOTT! Supporting the Palestinian BDS Call from Within [1], a group of Israeli students, professors, citizens, and residents who are active against our government's policies of apartheid, occupation and racism. We would like to express our solidarity with South Africa's leading student groups, who intend to challenge and boycott a delegation of Israeli students arriving in South Africa on a propaganda mission, titled, "What Is Rael", on 11/8/2011. The Israeli student delegation is part of a well-orchestrated Israeli establishment attempt to whitewash severe violations of human rights, including war crimes, through a fictitious display of "diversity and democracy".

The venue which has been selected for your concert in Jerusalem, Binyanei Hauma, is owned by the Jewish Agency and the Jerusalem municipality (http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=211329). 

The Jewish Agency has been a key player in Israel's violent colonization project throughout the occupied West Bank (http://www.jafi.org.il/JewishAgency/English/Aliyah/Absorpton+Options/Bayit1/Regional+Councils/bayitemekjordan.htm). 

PDF version available here
July 11, 2011