by Adam Horowitz
source: http://mondoweiss.net/2011/11/aipac-hollywood-junket-to-israel-meets-protest.html

On july 9 2005, the Palestinian Boycott National Committee (BNC) issued its unified call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions from Israel, demanding full rights for Palestinians.  

It is particularly troubling that the Cape Town Opera House decided to perform in Tel Aviv, with no other play than Porgy and Bess.

As the opera did not heed Desmond Tutu's call to cancel the show, a group of Israeli BDS supporters decided to emancipate the songs on opening night.

Watch it on youtube!

By Emily Schaeffer

The call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel is gaining momentum. At the same time, it is widely misinterpreted, unfortunately by skeptics, opponents and proponents alike.The basic premise behind BDS movements initiated by civil society  is that they are a grassroots, international, non-violent means of expressing stern disapproval of a country’s choice to oppress or discriminate against a group of people in contravention of international law and principles of equality, humanity and justice – with the hopes of bringing about positive change. The idea is to refuse to normalize interactions with such a country until it aligns its behavior with these laws and standards. Ideally, it is a short-term action because the change sought is achieved. Such was the case in South Africa, and so too do BDS supporters aspire regarding Israel.

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What follows is an open letter to the Boston Museum of Science by leading scholars objecting to the museum's sponsorship of an Israeli propaganda effort:

We, the undersigned group of scientists concerned with human dignity and equality, condemn the Museum of Science’s decision to co-sponsor and host “Israeli Innovation Weekend” (IIW) on May 2. 

March 1, 2010
 
Dear Pixies,
 
We are a group of Israeli human rights activists. We heard through the media that you are planning a concert in Israel in June. As much as some of us are huge fans and would love to hear your show, we won't cross the international picket line that is growing in numbers steadily nowadays to come and see you.

Rachel Giora
18 January 2010
Updated 27 January 2010
                  

• A comperhensive book about BDS, compiled by the Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign and published in 2007:
  http://bdsmovement.net/files/bds%20report%20small.pdf
   
• An article by Naomi Klein in support of BDS:
  http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090126/klein