Pressure is on Lopez to Appease Powerful Music Moguls, the CCFP & Israel

 

13 May 2012

 

17 May 2012 UPDATE:  JLo has not yet confirmed she will be entertaining apatheid Israel.  Her management has been asked, we are waiting for a response.  In June 2010, Reutersreported that Lopez made a choice to boycott playing in Turkish-held Cyprus:

 

“Jennifer Lopez would never knowingly support any state, country, institution or regime that was associated with any form of human rights abuse,” a statement on Lopez’s website said.

 

(Original Post) On 25 April, it was reported by Danielle Berrin for  the Jewish Journal that a group of 30 leading music executives, entertainment lawyers, and talent agents met at the Ziffren Brittenham law offices with the infamous CCFP (Artists Against Apartheid has called for a boycott of the CCFP) and David Seigel ( the Counsel General of Israel in Los Angeles). Atar Dekel, the cultural attache for the Israeli Consulate was also a the lunchtime presentation.  

 

Music moguls at the meeting represented artists such as Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Justin Timberlake and Jennifer Lopez.  

 

Just 2 weeks after the article was published, the Israeli press and Israeli twitter accounts announced with great fanfare that Jennifer Lopez will perform for Israel in late 2012.  Her planned performance most likely comes as a response to the intense pressure of the CCFP, as well as the Counsel General of Israel in Los Angeles.  

 

The above tweet was created by the State of Israel Official Twitter Channel, which seems to be dedicated to using many artists’ good names to promote their agenda of hostility to Palestinians.

 

There is no doubt that the BDS movement can be effective enough to lead to democracy, justice and equal rights in Israel, so it scares those who are loyal to an Israel that excludes people who are not deemed good enough to be “privileged.” BDS also contributes to mass awareness of the present situation of apartheid in Israel.  BDS is spreading because absolutely anyone can participate in it, and it is not necessary to travel to a protest or risk suffering from tear gas grenades.  (Though many BDS movement volunteers certainly possess the passion to risk their lives to see freedom, justice & democracy for Palestinians and many do just that).

 

This seeming abuse of Jennifer Lopez in order to appease the CCFP and the Counsel General of Israel in Los Angeles is disturbing.  

 

First, a concern exists over whether Lopez herself was informed of the boycott by whichever powerful music mogul who pulled the strings to get her on the Zionist State’s artist playlist.  

 

Second, is Lopez expected to concur with the motives of the CCFP?  Is she in any jeopardy if she does not comply with the Counsel General of Israel in Los Angeles’ expectations?  It is hard to imagine that a 42 year old, self assured woman with a definite passion for woman struggling for their rights in Juárez, Mexico, (Lopez produced and starred in Bordertown), would close her eyes to the struggle that Palestinian woman must endure due to Israel’s siege on Gaza and forceful occupation of the West Bank.  

 

 

 

Next, is Lopez aware of how her good name has already been used by the CCFP to promote the false notion that Israel is a safe haven for refugees among many other lies and deceptions on the CCFP website?

 

It takes true courage and a very powerful sense of meaning and self to stand up to the intense pressure that many artists face to perform for apartheid Israel.  Playing on the wrong side of history most certainly creates an ugly stain on any artist’s  resume.  

 

Lopez has not confirmed her concert yet, and she may very well follow in the steps of Bruce Springsteen.  Last November 2011, Springsteen’s name was plastered all over the Israeli press. He has yet to book a gig for Israel.  He most likely understands thatapartheid builds walls music cannot cross.  It appears that the Boss won’t be bossed around by the music moguls.  (See Springsteen, the Boycott, and Israel.

Zakir Hussain Won’t Drum for Apartheid

12 June 2012

Zakir Hussain, the world renowned hand drum player from India, who is decidedly one of the world most influential Indian musicians, has cancelled his planned performance in Tel Aviv, Israel.  The 61 year old artist received a letter from over 90 Indian artists who form INCACBI (The Indian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel).  The letterwas written on 31 May from New Delhi, India.

 

Dear Zakir Hussain,

We, a group of artists, academics and activists in India, came together in June 2010 to campaign against yet another apartheid regime by extending support to the international campaign for the academic and cultural boycott of Israel (see www.incacbi.in).

We understand that you are scheduled to perform in Israel in July this year. We appeal to you, as an artist of conscience, to cancel your scheduled performance in Israel.

Doing otherwise would inadvertently lend a stamp of approval to Israeli policies of colonialism, apartheid and occupation. Should Israel be admitted into the global cultural arena when it does not respect international law and recognize the Palestinian people s right to freedom, equality and justice? At a time when the international movement to isolate Israel is gaining ground in response to the escalation of Israel’s colonial and racist policies, we urge you to reflect upon the ethical implications of your accepting an invitation to perform in Israel. Your performance in Israel would help whitewash Israel’s practices, making it appear as though business with Israel should go on as usual.

We are aware that in February 2012, the Palestinian Al Mada Association for Arts Based Community Development, in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and UNICEF, hosted you together with the group Remember Shakti in Ramallah. You played free of charge in the knowledge that the event was a solidarity concert and a fundraising event to develop music therapy programs for Palestinian refugee children.  In addition to your music, this is what we admire you for.  So please don’t let your wonderful music be used to legitimize home demolitions, illegal raids, the use of white phosphorous, political and child imprisonments, racist marriage bans, piracy and execution in international waters, collective punishment, Occupation, checkpoints, roadblocks, and the bombing and closing of educational institutions. If you cancel your performance in Israel, you will also be encouraging other artists to follow your lead. And your fans all over the world will know you stand for justice and an end to apartheid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EmDzT2xG8c0

Zakir Hussain joins other artists who have cancelled this shows in Israel this year, including tUnEyArDs, Cat Power, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cassandra Wilson, Fullset and Dervish.  In addition, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, U2, and Coldplay have been invited to play Israel and refused to book this year.

2011 Summary of the Cultural Boycott of Israel

The year 2011 was a year full of many successes in the campaign for the cultural boycott of Israel.  This summary will focus on the cultural boycott with emphasis on musical artists and groups.

The fall of South African apartheid was preceded by many musical artists who joined to create a movement. That movement became known popularly as “I’m not gonna play Sun City.”  Israel has not yet seen its Sun City moment fully, but as you’ll see, significant rumblings are beginning.

January, 2011: Jon Bon Jovi was asked not play in Israel.  Thus far, boycott efforts have been successful.  The singer had announced on Larry King Live he would perform in Israel.  After boycott efforts to ask him to refrain, no concert ever happened. [1]

French pop star Vanessa Paradis refuses to perform in Israel.[2] Her partner, American film iconJohnny Depp also cancels his visit to Israel.

February, 2011: Roger Waters (founder of Pink Floyd) comes out in strong support of the cultural boycott when he writes “Artists were right to refuse to play in South Africa’s Sun City resort until apartheid fell and whites and blacks enjoyed equal rights.  And we are right to refuse to play in Israel until the day comes — and it surely will come — when The Wall of occupation falls and Palestinians live alongside Israelis in the peace, freedom, justice and dignity that they all deserve.” [3]

German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff, scheduled to sing five classical concerts in Israel, withdraws shortly beforehand.   He’d been asked to cancel his concerts by BRICUP, Boycott from Within and others.  He said his withdrawal was on grounds of illness.

Pete Seeger unequivocally supports the cultural boycott, stating “I misunderstood the leaders of the Arava Institute because I didn’t realize to what degree the Jewish National Fund was supporting Arava. Now that I know more, I support the BDS movement as much as I can.” [4]

May, 2011: August Burns Red refrained from playing at Tel Aviv’s Barby.  Just over one week prior to their gig sources said “they have no plans to reschedule, they cancelled because they do not want to play in Israel.”  A three month long effort had been launched to ask the band to refrain. [5]

Marc Almond’s cancellation was welcomed by the BDS Movement. [6] Letters, as well as a Facebook page were created to let the “Tainted Love” singer know about the real Israel.  His fans passed out leaflets before a UK concert at the Royal Festival Hall, London.  His welcome response came four days later when he refused to play in Israel.

June, 2011: Although Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not a musician, the cancellation of his film promotion at the Jerusalem Film Festival brought a whirlwind of attention to the cultural boycott of Israel.  101 organizations signed a letter praising the basketball legend. [7]

Also, in late June, Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine announced that they would refuse to perform in Tel Aviv. [8]  The voice of the Palestinian people was ultimately respected by the vintage punk rocker Jello Biafra.

Punk rock fans unite with punk bands and artists to launch Punks Against Apartheid.

July, 2011: Musicians Dave Randall, Maxi Jazz, and Jamie Catto release the single “Freedom For Palestine”  with the Durban Gospel Choir.  As the video went viral it gained momentum from endorsements by Coldplay, LUSH Cosmetics, Lowkey,  Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Massive Attack,Roger Waters, and many more. [9]

August, 2011: Tuba Skinny, while in Rome en-route to Israel , received information about the cultural boycott.  Tuba Skinny refused to perform at the Israel Government-sponsored Red Sea Jazz Festival, cancelling their concert only a few days prior to their scheduled gig. [10]  Latin jazz great Eddie Palmieriof Puerto Rico [11]and jazz musician Jason Moran of Houston [12] followed Tuba Skinny, and also cancelled their appearances at the Red Sea Jazz Festival.

September, 2011: Natacha Atlas stuns her Israeli booking agents when she refuses to play her scheduled concert in Israel.  She bravely states on her facebook page:

“…after much deliberation I now see that it would be more effective a statement to not go to Israel until this systemised apartheid is abolished once and for all. Therefore I publicly retract my well-intentioned decision to go and perform in Israel and so sincerely hope that this decision represents an effective statement against this regime.”[13]

The cultural boycott came closer to home as the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra went on tour.  Creative protests were seen in many cities in the USA and Europe.  A protest in London during  the BBC’s Prom Live Broadcast of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra resulted in worldwide press coverage when the BBC decided to halt its live broadcast of the concert.

Denise Jannah, was written to just prior to her tour in Israel.  She did perform in Israel, but her experience in Israel caused her to regret her choice, and she came out in support of the cultural boycott.  She stated: “Please let me start by telling you this: of a cultural BDS boycott Ramon and I had NO knowledge, none at all. This is where the problem started, for had I known I would have done things differently: the reasons for this boycott are valid.” [14]

Riverdance set designer Robert Ballagh, in bold support for BDS, called for the cancellation ofRiverdance’s tour in Israel, but he was unable to stop it because he does not possess the copyright. However he donated all his royalties from the performance of Riverdance in Israel to the Irish Ship to Gaza campaign.[15]

October, 2011: The Yardbirds were scheduled to play in Israel, and a letter [16] signed by professors in the UK was written to them from BRICUP. They subsequently cancelled their performance.  Humanitarians are asking them not to reschedule in 2012.

Greek singer Martha Frintzila bows out of her performance at the Israel Government-sponsored Jerusalem Oud Festival with a the statement that she: “…will not participate in Oud Festival in Jerusalem for conscientious and political reasons.” [17]

Hosam Hayak, a regular performer at the Jerusalem Oud Festival, chose this year to cancel, making a press release in Arabic on his facebook notes.[18]

In another boost to the cultural boycott,  John Michael McDonagh, director of Golden Globe nominated (director and main actor) film The Guard, announces that, “due to the conflict, [he] declined to attend the Haifa Film Festival 2011.”

November, 2011:  The Jerusalem String Quartet was met with creative protests in both the UK and North America.  Parody programs were received by concert attendees in at least four North American cities.[19]

Macy Gray tweets regarding her February Tel Aviv gig @MacyGraysLife “i had a reality check and I stated that I definitely would not have played there if I had known even the little that I know now.”

Punkers Zdob si Zdub of Moldavia were also asked to refrain playing in Israel.  They cancelled their 5 November concert, and the BDS movement is asking them to refrain from playing in 2012, as they are being pressured to “reschedule.”[20]

Mireille Mathieu was asked by BDS France [21] to cancel her concert in Tel Aviv.  The French singer was also the recipient of a letter [22] signed by seventy people in the artistic community in Gaza asking her to respect the boycott.  Mireille Mathieu’s courageous announcement [23] on her website that she has postponed playing in Tel Aviv is a welcome one.  The BDS movement encourages her to stand strong against pressure from both French and Israeli booking agents to “reschedule” her concert in the apartheid state.

Rapper MF Doom was called on by numerous groups and individuals not to “rap in the apartheid state.”  Press reports indicated he cancelled his 26 Nov concert due to illness.  As of this publication, Doomhas not rescheduled his concert in Tel Aviv.

In Switzerland, over 150 artists pledge to boycott apartheid Israel.[24]

December, 2011:  Oumou Sangaré becomes the third French artist in 2011 to cancel her planned performance with the Israeli Opera, as BDS makes inroads into the classical music world.  An informative letter from BDS France was followed by letters from DPAI and BDS Italy. [25]
Joe Lynn Turner’s 16 December concert in Tel Aviv is cancelled.[26]

Joker (UK) refuses to bring his dubstep-bass sounds to Tel Aviv. It appears that his decision might have been influenced by other musicians in the London music scene who asked him to reconsider.

Looking Ahead to 2012:
UK and Irish musicians are taking the lead under the “Freedom for Palestine” banner.  In the USA, expect Lupe Fiasco to continue to vocalize his support for Palestinians.

Current campaigns for cultural boycott are underway for Bruce Springsteen, Arch Enemy and Red Hot Chili Peppers to alert  them about the reasons to join fellow musicians in refusing to play in the apartheid state. Cultural BDS is growing and volunteers remain busy working in countless creative ways.

 

NOTES:
[1]See section “Pop Stars urged to Boycott” in http://electronicintifada.net/content/boycott-roundup-us-tear-gas-maker-csi-urged-cancel-israel-sales/9175
[2] Haaretz.com Jan 16, 2011 Did pop star Paradis cancel Israel concert over politics? http://bit.ly/ePtc3T
[3] Roger Waters: My Journey to BDS http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/topics/economy-of-the-occupation/3374-roger-waters-my-journey-to-bds
[4]http://mondoweiss.net/2011/02/pete-seeger-endorses-boycott-of-israel.html
[5] August Burns Red Have Cancelled Their Planned Concert in Israel http://www.pacbi.org/etemplate.php?id=1612
[6] Marc Almond cancels Israel performance http://www.bdsmovement.net/2011/letter-marc-almond-6933[ ]
[7] Media Release: 101 Organizations Praise Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Decision Not to Visit Israel  http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=3039
[8]http://punksagainstapartheid.com/2011/06/jello-biafra-cancels-tel-aviv-gig/
[9]”From the muddy fields of Glastonbury to the occupied streets of Gaza” http://www.freedomoneworld.com/
[10] http://refrainplayingisrael.posterous.com/tuba-skinny-respects-the-pacbis-call-cancels
[11] http://refrainplayingisrael.posterous.com/latin-jazz-great-eddie-palmieri-thank-you-for
[12] http://refrainplayingisrael.posterous.com/jazz-musician-jason-moran-cancels-concert-in
[13]  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natacha-Atlas-Official/125501987488351?sk=wall
[14]http://www.kadaitcha.com/2011/09/18/denise-jannah-and-ramon-valles-now-support-bds/
[15] Riverdance should not go to Israel: Two open letters from the IPSC and set designer Robert Ballagh http://www.ipsc.ie/press-releases/riverdance-should-not-go-to-israel-two-open-letters-from-the-ipsc-and-set-designer-robert-ballagh
[16] http://www.bricup.org.uk/documents/cultural/Yardbirds.pdf
[17] http://www.pacbi.org/etemplate.php?id=1741  Martha Frintzila cancels participation in Jerusalem Oud Festival
[18] Hosam Hayak Press Release http://www.facebook.com/notes/hosam-hayek/%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B5%D8%AD%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%85/10150341519462611
[19]http://www.usacbi.org/2011/11/jerusalem-quartet-protests/ Jerusalem String Quartet Met By Protests Across North America
[20] http://rebelfrequencies.blogspot.com/2011/11/bds-update-first-delay-then.html
[20] Letter ouverte de la Campagne BDS France a Mireille Matthieu  http://bit.ly/w26Xog
[22] Dear Mireille Mathieu  http://www.odsg.org/co/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2426
[23] “le concert prevu le 22 novembre 2011 en Israel a Tel Aviv est reporte a une date ulterieure”http://www.mireillemathieu.com/#/Nouveautes/Fiche
[24] http://www.bds-info.ch/fr/actualites/Declaration-of-Swiss-Artists
[25] See all three letters at “Victoire: Oumou Sangare annule son concert en Israel” http://www.bdsfrance.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=617%3Avictoire-oumou-sangare-annule-son-concert-en-israel-&catid=9%3Aevenements-bds-france
[26] http://refrainplayingisrael.posterous.com/joe-lynn-turner-refrains-from-playing-in-apar

http://refrainplayingisrael.posterous.com/2011-summary-of-the-cultural-boycott-of-israe

Posted on 02-01-2012

2012 Summary of the Cultural Boycott of Israel

by DPAI (UK, Australia, Ireland, USA)

The year 2012 was an amazing year full of many successes in the campaign for the cultural boycott of Israel.  This summary focuses on the cultural boycott with an emphasis on musical artists and groups.

The fall of South African apartheid was preceded by the movement by artists of conscience to boycott “Sun City.”  A similar anti-apartheid movement is rapidly growing; and musicians increasingly do not want to perform in Israel.

The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, Habima, Batsheva, and the Cameri Theatercontinued to be sent to perform abroad as “cultural ambassadors” for Israel.  This year people who oppose apartheid gathered in many cities to raise awareness of the complicity of these artists.  Almost all Batsheva performances were protested.  Demonstrations took place in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Italy, throughout the UK and in Edinburgh, Scotland.

January, 2012:  The Tuneyards cancel their gig in Israel.  The lead singer Merrill Garbus is a signatory of the Artists Against Israeli Apartheid pledge.[1]  

Jacques Ranciére, acclaimed French intellectual and Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Paris (St. Denis) writes that he will not violate the boycott, and cancels plans to give public readings at Tel Aviv University. [2]

February, 2012: Award winning singer-songwriter Cat Power (Chan Marshall) cancels her gig in Tel Aviv, tweeting, “MUSIC IS HEALING AND IT IS NOT HUMANE IF ALL CANNOT HAVE THE CHOICE, THE RIGHT, TO ATTEND. H E L P, A W A R E N E S S”[3]  

New York Indie band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart announce they will not play Israel.  Israel’s “Walla” press reports the cancellation was political. [4]  

Grammy-winning jazz singer Cassandra Wilson was scheduled to be the featured performer at the Holon International Women’s Festival.  Just days before her sold out performances, she politely bowed out, saying “As a human rights activist I identify with the cultural boycott of Israel.” [5]  Wilson received letters of thanks signed by solidarity groups from around the world.

Israeli TV uses the term “refuseniks” to refer to Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton,U2 and Coldplay.  The term implies that these artists have a political reason to refuse to perform in Israel. [6]

March, 2012:  The cultural boycott moves to New York City as Batsheva attempts to present Israel’s pretty face through dance; Adalah-NY volunteers are ready with their own performance outside the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Palestinian dancer Hana Awwad writes, “Exhibits and performances by Palestinian artists are systematically banned, sabotaged, and closed down by the Israeli occupation. Artists themselves are targets of violence, arbitrary arrests, and deportations.” [7]   

Actors and artists sign onto a letter asking Shakespeare’s Globe in London to withdraw its invitation to Habima, and refuse to be complicit with human rights violations and the illegal colonisation of occupied land.  Thirty seven artists sign, including the highly acclaimed Academy Award, Emmy and and Golden Globe winning Emma Thompson. [8]  

Staying true to punk rock, Zdob si Zdub from Moldavia keep Israel off their tour plans.  Punks Against Apartheid wrote a letter to the band in January, asking them to respect the boycott.[9]  

April, 2012: The six member Irish band Dervish agrees to respect the cultural boycott, cancelling a series of planned shows in Israel, stating:  “At the time we agreed to these performances we were unaware there was a cultural boycott in place. We now feel that we do not wish to break this boycott,” and adding, “Our decision to withdraw from the concerts reflects our wish to neither endorse nor criticise anyone’s political views in this situation.”[10]  Fullset, also from Ireland, announce that they had not been aware of the cultural boycott, and cancel their concert in Israel on the back of the Dervish cancellation. [11]

The Mediterranean Delight International Bellydance Festival was slated to take place in Marrakech, Morocco.  When it was uncovered that the festival was sponsored by an Israeli belly dancer, a campaign against normalization successfully shut down the show.   Belly dancer Noor refuses to participate in the Israeli backed festival, and it was relocated to Greece. [12]  

Qatar cancelled the Music and Dialogue Festival which featured Israeli musicians, scheduled for April 30 – May 4, marking another milestone for the growing anti-apartheid movement.[13]  

Singer Macy Gray responds to a letter written to the Red Hot Chili Peppersasking them to boycott apartheid Israel.  Gray reaffirms her commitment to justice when she tweets to activist Tali Shapiro (Boycott From Within)  “Nvr give up the good fight Tali.  Yer a great human. “ [14]  

May, 2012:  Huzama Habayeb, a Palestinian novelist, led an overwhelmingly successful academic boycott effort involving the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.  The Center’s planned book project titled Memory of a Promise: Short Stories by Middle Eastern Women was cancelled because nearly half of the authors (13 out of 29) withdrew their literary contributions in protest of the inclusion of two Israeli authors celebrated amongst ‘institutionalised’ Israeli literary circles.  Habayeb wrote “My overly conscious heart was heavy. I cannot accept, ethically and morally, that my voice be shared equally with writers who reflect the voice of an obnoxious occupier” [15]  Regarding the large number of authors who refused to participate, the center’s Director Kamran Scot Aghaie writes, “On balance, the net result is that the book project is no longer viable. Therefore, we are discontinuing publication of this volume.” [16]  

Slumdog Millionaire author Vikas Swarup cancels his appearance at theInternational Writers Festival in Israel. [17]  The Indian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (INCACBI) had written to him in February. [18]  

Shakespeare’s Globe in London hosted Israel’s National Theatre Habima.  A twitter campaign using #loveculture developed by Israel’s UK embassy was  transformed into #loveculture hate apartheid, and made global trends.  As Habima performed The Merchant of Venice, streets were filled with people, signs, and Palestinian flags outside the Globe.  Inside, numerous people peacefully held banners, and mentioned Palestine throughout the performance.  British actor and audience member, John Graham Davies arose, delivering  Shylock’s famous line during the trial scene, saying  “Hath not a Palestinian eyes?” – for a moment the production almost lost its balance.  Davies was then promptly removed by hired security personnel. [19]

June, 2012:  Israeli advisor to the Red Sea International Classical Music Festival, tells Haaretz “I can testify that more than once projects have been cancelled or postponed based on their ‘Israeliness.’ And again – these things are not said crassly, no one will say: we are conducting a boycott. The word boycott doesn’t exist, but the political situation of Israel also impacts this field.” [20]

Grammy-Award winning tabla player Zakir Hussain of India cancels his gig in Israel.  Hussain was contacted by the INCACBI. [21]

Pulitzer Prize winner and highly acclaimed author Alice Walker declines the publishing of the Color Purple by an Israeli publisher, stating:  “It is my hope that the non-violent BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, of which I am part, will have enough of an impact on Israeli civilian society to change the situation.”[22]

July, 2012:  When a celebration promoting Israeli culture in Switzerland attempts to include the Palestinian dance troupe Juthor, they withdraw.  Organizers of the International Folklore Encounters Festival, Fribourg had intended to bring Juthor onto the stage together with the Israeli group Shalom Israel. [23]  

Rocker Serj Tankian releases Occupied Tears, raising awareness about Palestinian life under occupation. [24]  

Ottawa musical group Three Little Birds sing Apartheid on CTV Morning Live, and are subsequently attacked by pro-Israel media watchdog HonestReporting Canada.[25]  

Nino Katamadze’s five concert tour was quietly cancelled, Katamadze was contacted by Boycott From Within, and plans for a five concert tour in November were scrapped. [26]

Anti-apartheid fans of Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and Jean Claude Van Damme were relieved they cancelled their planned visit to Tel Aviv, where they were scheduled to attend a local premiere screening of their latest filmExpendables 2. [27]  

Controversial reggae artist Sizzla Kalonji cancels his gig in Israel after tweeting his disappointment that Obama had awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Israeli President Shimon Peres. [28]

August, 2012:  The importance of the cultural boycott was emphasized when reports reassured disappointed and, at times, angry Israeli fans that the cancellations of concerts in Tel Aviv by the Swedish Cardigans [29] and byLenny Kravitz were for reasons not related to the cultural boycott of Israel. [30]  

Highly successful protests of Batsheva take place in Edinburgh, Scotland. [31]  

An Israeli website announced that English electronica big beat group Prodigywould perform in Tel Aviv.  Emails from Prodigy’s manager showed claims the band would perform in Israel were completely false.  The same site also made false claims that Jennifer Lopez and Bruce Springsteen would perform in Israel in 2012.  

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-South Africa, Student Representative Council passed a resolution that calls for the full cultural and academic boycott of Israeli institutions, stating they “will not participate in any form of cultural or academic collaboration or joint projects with Israeli institutions and will not provide any support to Israeli cultural or academic institutions.”[32]

September, 2012:  Noted British theater director Peter Brook and the Bouffes du Nord theatre troop of France honored the call to boycott Israel, cancelling planned performances for December at the Cameri Theater in Tel Aviv.  Brookwrote: “The fact that the Cameri Theatre has accepted to support the brutal action of colonisation by playing in Ariel [in the West Bank] has made us aware that in coming to your theatre we would appear as a support for that brutal action. This forces us to decline your invitation to perform in your theatre. The decision is entirely ours, and not to come to you, it is our free choice.  We know that there are many amongst you and in your country who share our attitude and it is them we wish to support as well as the people of Palestine.” [33]

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are asked to accept the anti-apartheid call, in a campaign that unites thousands in support for the cultural boycott of Israel.  When the RHCP refuse to cancel their gig in Tel Aviv, internationally acclaimed Lebanese group Mashrou’ Leila, tweets “we will not be opening for the red hot chili peppers on september 6 in beirut.”[34]   

Palestinian film directors refuse to participate in the filming of 24h Jerusalem, and production is halted.  Twenty directors, including Israelis, pulled out of the film project in support of the cultural boycott.  Though it appeared to be a benign film about culture, it was actually funded in part by the Jerusalem Development Authority, an organization implicated in numerous violations of human rights and illegal activities against Palestinians.  Enas aL-Muthaffar, filmmaker, wrote: “I refuse to be part of a peace propaganda machine that continues to ignore Israel’s cruel colonization of Palestine.” [35]

A survey done in Britain finds that one in four support a full cultural boycott of Israel by musicians. [36]

October, 2012:   Pulitzer Prize–winning author Alice Walker, Palestinian spoken word artist Remi Kenazi and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters join dozens of other cultural workers to call for Carnegie Hall to cancel the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance.[37]  

Hip hop duo Rebel Diaz, artist Narcenio Hall and Cairo-based art collectiveMosireen boycott the two-day 2012 Creative Time Summit in Manhattan because of the summit’s partnership with an Israeli organization that is funded by the Israeli government.[38]

Ramallah-based Palestinian MC Boikutt, Syrian singer Lena Chamamyan, Lebanese MC Malikah (Lynn Fattouh), and Palestinian DJ Sotusura all pull out of the Salam.Orient cultural festival in Austria, because it is sponsored in part by the Israeli embassy. [39]

Turkish band Baba Zula’s concert in Israel was cancelled, while obviously not all cancelling performers have the courage to publicly state their reasons, it isn’t a surprise when they don’t rebook.  

Remi Kanazi releases Normalize This! on youtube in support of the cultural boycott of Israel, explaining why normalization cannot lead to positive change.

November, 2012:  The legendary Stevie Wonder (winner of 22 Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award) makes international news when he cancels a scheduled December performance at a Los Angeles fundraiser for Friends of the IDF(FIDF), an organization that raises money for the Israeli army. [40]  His statement is posted on the website of his radio station, Radio FREE KJLH 102.3FM.

The Cape Town World Music Festival had to do without one of its star acts whenPops Mohamed boycotted the event because of co-sponsorship by the Israeli embassy.

Ten talented young harpists bow out of the International Harp Contest in Israel, leaving only 22 non-Israelis to complete in the increasingly unpopular state sponsored event. In addition, acclaimed harpists Naoko Yoshino and Park Stickney also quietly cancelled their performances for the Harp Contest. [41]

At least 10 international actors withdrew from the IsraDrama festival, following last minute appeals asking them not to collaborate with the Cameri Theater in Tel Aviv which performs in settlements. [42]

Zebda, a popular band from France, releases One life less-(une vie de moins),which draws attention to Israeli occupation, Gaza, and how children are affected by apartheid.[43]  

Electronica musician and DJ Carl Craig of Detroit quietly cancels his gig in Tel Aviv.  

Ross Daly, Giorgos Xylouris, Giorgos Manolakis, and Kelly Thoma cancel plans to play at the Israeli state sponsored Jerusalem Oud Festival, stating  “After all, we’re musicians with feelings and sensibilities, not music machines which can operate under all and any circumstances.” [44]  

Roger Waters, musician and founder of Pink Floyd, explains the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in his address to the United Nations on behalf of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine: “It aims, as many of you know, to bring non-violent economic pressure to bear on Israel to force an end to its violations, an end to occupation and apartheid, an end to the denial of Palestinians’ right of return, and an end to Palestinian citizens of Israel being required to live as second class citizens, discriminated against on racial grounds, and subject to different laws than their Jewish compatriots. The BDS movement is gaining ground hand over fist. Just last week I was happy to write a letter of support to the Student Government of the University of California, Irvine, congratulating them on demanding that their University divest from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation.”[45]

December, 2012: The London-based Jazz group Portico Quartet, cancelled their planned concert for the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Israel.  The band courageously voiced their support for the cultural boycott, linking fans on their Facebook page to the Palestinian BDS National Committee’s website. [46]

Swedish virtuoso guitarist Andreas Öberg was congratulated for cancelling his planned gigs in Israel, honoring the call for a cultural boycott of the apartheid state.  Öberg let fans know about his cancellation on Facebook. [47]

A campaign launched July to persuade Woody Allen to shoot his next film in Israel failed.  The goals of the movie were to “enable Israel to enter the world’s imagination in a way a billion dollars of hasbara (public relations/propaganda) couldn’t possibly buy.”  In an open letter to Allen, he was asked “Would it not be more ingenious to develop a movie satirising Israel’s desperate attempts to obscure its crimes against humanity?” [48]

Looking ahead to 2013:
Bruce Springsteen’s choice to refrain from playing Israel in 2012 is a welcome one to anti-apartheid campaigners.  Multiple claims in the Israeli press, as well as several campaigns to pressure Springsteen to play Israel, confirm that there are still major efforts underway to convince The Boss to ignore the boycott in 2013.

Israel tends to ask bands who previously played in the apartheid state to return.  Bands whose members are Kabbalists are also often invited to play in Israel.  All artists are invited to respect the boycott, regardless of their spiritual commitments and if they have previously played in Israel.  Campaigns are already underway to educate artists involved with Lollapalooza Israel about the boycott.  The catchy “lollapartheid” has already been used to describe the festival.

Notes:
[1] 500 Artists Against Israeli Apartheid   http://www.tadamon.ca/post/5824
[2] Jacques Ranciére cancelled his visit to Israel http://thesip.org/2012/01/ranciere-cancellatio/
[3] BDS Victory: Cat Power cancels show in Tel Aviv http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/nora/bds-victory-cat-power-cancels-show-tel-aviv
[4] The Pains of Being Pure At Heart dismissed for political reasons
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&langpair=auto%7Cen&rurl=translate.google.com&tbb=1&u=http://e.walla.co.il/%3Fw%3D%252F6%252F2509963&usg=ALkJrhg9BlEd4I6ePpoln6_co901s_K56Q
[5] Cassandra Wilson cancels Israel show: “I identify with the cultural boycott of Israel”
http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/nora/singer-cassandra-wilson-cancels-israel-show-i-identify-cultural-boycott-israel
[6] From Israeli TV see 1.50 min [Hebrew] at:
http://www.mako.co.il/news-channel2/Channel-2-Newscast/Article-066c02822978531018.htm
[7] NY Activists protest Batsheva Dance Company performance in Brooklynhttp://mondoweiss.net/2012/03/ny-activists-protest-batsheva-dance-company-performance-in-brooklyn.html
[8] Dismay at Globe Invitation to Israeli Theater http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/29/dismay-globe-invitation-israeli-theatre?newsfeed=true
[9] Zdob si Zdub: Stand in Solidarity with Palestinians! http://punksagainstapartheid.com/2012/01/zsz-open-letter/
[10] Heeding boycott call, Irish band Dervish pulls out of Israel concerts
http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/heeding-boycott-call-irish-band-dervish-pulls-out-israel-concerts
[11] http://www.facebook.com/FullSetBand/posts/432263436801746
[12] Israeli Orientalist Festival in Morocco Bellyflops http://www.kadaitcha.com/2012/04/21/israeli-orientalist-festival-in-morocco-bellyflops/
[13] Israeli-Arab Normalization Hits a Snag http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/israeli-arab-normalization-hits-snag
[14] The Blessings of 2012, an album http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=426830113999740&set=a.383361181679967.117866.100000182654841&type=1&permPage=1
[15] My ‘No’ says more, and matters more http://www.pacbi.org/etemplate.php?id=1894&key=texas
[16] Statement on the Cancellation of “Memory of a Promise: Short Stories by Middle Eastern Women”
http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/news/5111
[17] http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4223273,00.html
[18]  INCACBI Appeal to Vikas Swarup: Boycott the International Writers Festival 2012 in Jerusalem!http://www.pacbi.org/etemplate.php?id=1827
[19]  ‘Hath not a Palestinian eyes?’: Protesters disrupt Habima performance at Globe
http://mondoweiss.net/2012/05/hath-not-a-palestinian-eyes-protesters-disrupt-habima-performance-at-globe.html
[20] Cultural boycott biting, but quietly, Israel Festival’s classical music advisor admits
http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/cultural-boycott-biting-quietly-israel-festivals-classical-music-advisor-admits
[21] Zakir Hussain Cancels Performance in Tel Aviv  http://www.pacbi.org/etemplate.php?id=1913)
[22] http://www.pacbi.org/etemplate.php?id=1917
[23] Palestinian group Juthour withdraws from International Folklore Encounters Festival in Fribourg  http://bit.ly/Yl9nvj
[24] Occupied Tears [25]http://mondoweiss.net/2012/07/canadian-band-attacked-by-israel-lobby-group-after-playing-song-titled-apartheid.html

[26] Nino Katamadze Will Not Play Apartheid Israel http://www.usacbi.org/2012/07/nino-katamadze-will-not-play-apartheid-israel/
[27] Expendables 2:  Stallone, Willis and Van Damme will not come to Israel http://news.walla.co.il/?w=%2F6%2F2553554
[28] Sizzla Tweets about Israel  https://www.facebook.com/notes/dont-play-apartheid-israel/sizzla-tweets-about-israel/446169305432463
[29] Tel Aviv Cancelled!  MAYDAY! MAYDAY! http://www.cardigans.com/?sid=default&bfs=1
[30] Apartheid Israel: Lenny Kravitz is not Boycotting Israel, Be Reassured
http://refrainplayingisrael.blogspot.com/2012/08/apartheid-israel-lenny-kravitz-is-not.html
[31] Hora, EIF 2012, Review http://www.edinburghguide.com/festival/2012/edinburghinternationalfestival/horaeif2012review-11441
http://refrainplayingisrael.blogspot.com/2012/09/peter-brooks-courageous-support-for.html
[32] South Africa’s Wits University student council unanimously passes boycott of Israel resolution  http://www.bdssouthafrica.com/2011/08/university-of-witwatersrand-student.html
[33]  Peter Brook’s Letter to the Cameri: “It is our free choice”
[34]  Lebanon’s Mashrou’ Leila cancels on Chili Peppers after latter refuses Israel boycott call
http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/lebanons-mashrou-leila-cancels-chili-peppers-after-latter-refuses-israel-boycott
[35]  Jerusalem Development Authority Implicated in Boycotted Film Funding.
http://www.kadaitcha.com/2012/09/04/jerusalem-development-authority-implicated-in-boycotted-film-funding/
[36] YouGov Survey Resultshttp://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/0kh4fq1eb8/Jewish%20Chronicle%20Results%20120924.pdf
[37] Open Letter from Artists to Carnegie Hall
http://adalahny.org/web-action/1002/open-letter-artists-carnegie-hall-cancel-israel-philharmonic-orchestras-performance
[38] Artists Cancel Creative Time Summit Appearances Over Israeli “Partnership” [UPDATE 7]
http://hyperallergic.com/58499/artists-cancel-their-creative-time-summit-appearances-over-controversial-israeli-partnership/
[39] Three more Arab performers pull out of Austrian music festival due to Israel embassy sponsorship
http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/three-more-arab-performers-pull-out-austrian-music-festival-due-israel-embassy
[40]  http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/rights-groups-launch-petition-thank-stevie-wonder-canceling-israel-army-benefit
[41] Ten Harpists Bow out of Apartheid Israel Harp Contest!
http://harpsofconscience.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/ten-harpists-bow-out-of-apartheid-israel-harp-contest-thank-you-for-having-a-conscience/
[42]  http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4313061,00.html
[43]  One life less-(une vie de moins)  [44] http://www.rossdaly.gr/en/news/102-oudfestivall
[45] http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/3140/roger-waters-specch-at-the-un
[46] http://refrainplayingisrael.blogspot.com/2012/12/portico-quartet-respects-boy…
[47] http://refrainplayingisrael.blogspot.com/2012/12/andreas-oberg-respects-cultu…
[48] http://www.kadaitcha.com/2012/07/10/woody-allen-please-refuse-israels-hasbara…

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar : Israeli Apartheid’s Loss, Freedom For Palestine’s Gain

(16 June 2011)  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s decision to cancel his appearance and showing of his film “On The Shoulder’s Of Giants”  at the Jerusalem Film Festival comes as a welcome victory to the PACBI(Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel), as well as to scores of solidarity activists and humanitarians across the globe.  The legendary basketball player showed us what a giant person he really is when he chose justice and solidarity with the oppressed of Palestine.

UPDATE (June 28, 2011)  In a Media Release, a verified confirmation was made that Kareem Abdul-Jabber will not visit Israel.  Over 100 organizations have signed a letter thanking the Laker’s Legend here. Apparently, the cancellation was made due to “concern over Nakba Day violence.”

On 19 April, 2011, “One Country Israel Palestine: Say “NO” to apartheid”  posted a story titled “BDS : Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Boycott Israel PACBI.”  (link).  Since April, many changes in how solidarity for Palestine is viewed have occured.  OneWorld released “Freedom For Palestine” and it went viral on youtube and is still spreading around the globe.  Various young American Jewish activists have courageously stood before AIPAC, and even the US Congress, vocalizing support for Palestinian human rights.  Lupe Fiasco and LUSH cosmetics shared their great concern for the need for freedom for Palestinians.  Students held a Flash Mob at an “ethical” grocery store in Portland, Oregon, singing about the violations of human rights that many businesses actually make a profit from.  Each passing week, brought into question the “appropriateness” of public figures taking the side of the oppressor, in this case, the apartheid nation of Israel.

The Jerusalem Film Festival was the planned venue for the retired Basketball player, and his appearance was in coordination with both the Israeli Foreign Ministry, and with the Israeli Consulate of New York.

As an added flourish, the former NBA star was also embraced by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, known for his firm allegiance to Zionism.

Kareem has done extensive fundraising and shown diligent support for many Jewish organizations, such as the Mizal Museum in Denver, and the Jewish Telethon for Annual Chabadas well as himself visiting the Western Wall in  Israel in 1997.

It was however, not appropriate that his film be used by Israel in a desperate attempt to legitimize apartheid.  The film documents the policies of segregation that were seen in the 1930’s in the world of pro-basketball in the USA.  The cast includes Maya Angelou, who read Rachel Corrie’s famous email in 2006 for the commemoration of Rachel’s life on the third anniversary of her killing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ8ilbm6Y_A

The initial response to the cancellation by Israeli tweets are that his appearance did not matter.  This is far from the truth, when celebrities of such worldwide recognition such as the legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar make decisions to cancel their scheduled appearances in Israel, it adds to the growing list of people who have taken a stand against apartheid.  It also calls attention to the need to boycott Israel.

The Jerusalem Film Festival saw both Meg Ryan and Dustin Hoffman cancel their appearances in 2010.  Their decision to boycott came following Israel’s massacre (close range execution-style) of 9 peace activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla ship the “Mavi Marmara.”