12 January, 2012

Dear Shakespeare’s Globe,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and inner conflicts with us.[1] We are grateful that you have deliberated it sincerely and have raised a few questions. Let’s focus on those that you find tough:

Dear James Blake,
 
We are a group of Israeli citizens who support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel. We oppose our government's policies of ethnic cleansing, occupation and apartheid, we strongly believe that international pressure is essential in bringing these crimes to an end and creating an equal and just society in this region. We are, therefore, asking you to cancel your planned show in Tel-Aviv on January the 27th.
 

 
To
The directors
World Shakespeare Festival 2012
c/o Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside
London
SE1 9DT
UK
info@shakespearesglobe.com
 
 
 
Dear Sir/Madam
 
Israel's Habima Theatre is due to present, in your forthcoming festival, "The Merchant of Venice". As noted on your website, this play includes the role of "Shylock, the most famous and controversial Jewish character in the theatre canon" – which naturally, presents particularly acute problems and dilemmas to an Israeli theatre.  
 

PDF version available here.

Dear Younger Brother,
 
We are a group of Israeli citizens who support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel. We oppose the Israeli criminal policies of colonialism, occupation and apartheid, and strongly believe that international pressure is essential in bringing these crimes to an end and creating an equal and just society in this region.
 

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION TRIES TO LEGITIMIZE CONFERENCE HELD IN ISRAEL
On its second day, WHO conference was relocated to Tel-Aviv in an attempt to legitimize it
 
Press Release
 

Press Release: For Immediate Release

Activists Take Direct Action Against World Health Organization Conference in

Jerusalem
28th November 2011
Boycott! Supporting the Palestinian BDS call from within
(Boycott from Within)
http://boycottisrael.info

This morning a group of Palestinians and Israeli activists held a protest action in front of the Inbal hotel where the WHO (World Health Organization) held their first 'Health 2020 – The New European Policy for Health' conference [1 ].

16/11/11
Press release
Boycott! Supporting the Palestinian BDS call from within(Boycott from Within)
http://boycottisrael.info/ 

Tonight (16/11) in Tel Aviv, Israeli and international BDS supporters spent an hour standing outside the press conference held by the "Creative Coalition" Hollywood actors. The event, which was co-ordinated by AIPAC, took place at the Dan Intercontinental hotel. The group held banners, which read "No Culture in Whitewashing Apartheid" and "Shame On You, Hollywood", in order to remind the actors that their visit and press-conference are part of the Hasbara (Israel advocacy) mission. They also reminded them of the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israeli policies of colonialization, occupation and apartheid, which they were breeching.
 

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.