Eretz Israel is our unforgettable historic homeland...The Jews who will it shall achieve their State...And whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will redound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind. (Theodor Herzl, DerJudenstaat, 1896)

We offer peace and amity to all the neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. The State of Israel is ready to contribute its full share to the peaceful progress and development of the Middle East.
(From Proclamation of the State of Israel, 5 Iyar 5708; 14 May 1948)

With a liberal democratic political system operating under the rule of law, a flourishing market economy producing technological innovation to the benefit of the wider world, and a population as educated and cultured as anywhere in Europe or North America, Israel is a normal Western country with a right to be treated as such in the community of nations.... For the global jihad, Israel may be the first objective. But it will not be the last. (Friends of Israel Initiative)

Tuesday 12 March 2013

"Don't Let Israel's Detractors Politicize Art": Petition

The US-based Creative Community for Peace has drawn up the following petition to singer Alicia Keyes, who's being pressed by BDS forces to cancel her scheduled appearance in Tel Aviv on 4 July:

'We, the undersigned, wholeheartedly support your upcoming tour in Israel and your dedication to your fans across the globe.

We know you are hearing falsehoods about Israel being an apartheid state and unfair comparisons of Israel to apartheid South Africa. These messages are filled with distortions and untruths that seek to malign Israel and distort the discourse of those that seek peace.

Those who have actually been to Israel know that it is a democratic country with a diverse population, where women, Arabs, Muslims, Christians and all minorities have equal rights; a nation where art and freedom of expression flourish. In fact, Arab-Israeli citizens serve on Israel’s Supreme Court and in its Parliament. The recently crowned Miss Israel was born in Ethiopia and quoted Martin Luther King in her acceptance speech! "There are many different communities of many different colors in Israel, and it's important to show that to the world," said the new Miss Israel.

We too wish for a resolution to the complicated Palestinian/Israeli peace process, and we believe that the unique connection between artist and fan is part of the solution. Music is a great tool--one that can be used for building bridges, dialogue and understanding between people. Cultural boycotts drown out freedom and the voices of change. Your voice, your message will touch hearts and minds in a region desperately looking for peace.

We therefore urge you to keep your tour date in Israel, the land Madonna calls "the energy center of the world." Join the ranks of independent-minded artists who have performed in Israel recently, including Rihanna, Macy Gray, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Black Eyed Peas, Missy Elliot, Metallica, Linkin Park, Lady Gaga, Seal, Meshell Ngedecello, Erykah Badu and many others. Your fans in Israel are looking forward to seeing you and know that you will use the power of your music to help bring hope and peace to the region!

Thank you.'


To sign the petition click here
(Hat tip: reader Rita)

3 comments:

  1. On the other hand any of these entertainers who for whatever reason don't know anything about Israel never heard of it, sign on to play there and then OMG have to 'cancel' should be barred from the country for life in any capacity AS an entertainer. They can come as a private citizen, see the sights and whatnot but once they decide to make a political statement we should hold them to it forever. We need to stop catering to their PR and being used by it.

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    1. Empress, your stance is admirable and very tempting, but doesn't that threaten to play into the hands of the BDSers? It's what they do (or would like to do). Far better, I would have thought, to have reminded them of the greats in their field who resisted such pressures and went to Israel.

      One could even point out that the Israelis are as harsh in their criticisms of their own government(s) as any overseas (and by definition less well-informed) critic. So why not go, fulfil your contract and listen to the locals.

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    2. BTW, it's not Ros, Brian, who submitted the last comment! Sorry, but I used the wronf method of submitting.

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