Israel/Palestine
Related: About this forumSpanish festival backtracks, re-invites Jewish singer
"Following a barrage of criticism, organizers of an international reggae festival in Spain backtracked Wednesday and apologized for cancelling a concert by Jewish-American singer Matisyahu because he had declined to state his position regarding a Palestinian state.
Rototom Sunsplash festival said in a statement that it publicly apologized for canceling the concert and invites Matisyahu to play as originally planned on Saturday.
It said it recognized its mistake, adding that it had been the fruit of pressure by a local branch of the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement, which campaigned against Matisyahu's participation.
The change comes after the World Jewish Congress wrote to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, calling on him to condemn the cancellation, adding that the "scandalous behavior" of Rototom Sunsplash festival organizers demanded firm action by Spain.
The government also slammed the festival's decision."
https://www.yahoo.com/music/s/world-jewish-group-sends-pm-letter-over-concert-083347575.html
leftynyc
(26,060 posts)My link is to Vox:
Update: The Rototom festival has reversed itself, reinstating Matisyahu's invitation to perform. Also, the Valencia BDS chapter issued a statement defending its decision but stating that it had acted outside the cultural boycott guidelines outlined by the larger BDS movement.
http://www.vox.com/2015/8/18/9173239/matisyahu-bds
Well, that didn't work out too well for BDS, did it?
grossproffit
(5,591 posts)leftynyc
(26,060 posts)Your link had a lot more "heft" to it anyway. I haven't read everything yet, has he agreed to perform?
grossproffit
(5,591 posts)My spiteful side wants him to not perform but cooler heads must prevail. Like cream, I hope he rises to the top.
I'll support whichever decision he makes.
leftynyc
(26,060 posts)person all along in comparison to the odious BDS group that demanded he not play. No reason to stop now. Whatever he decides is fine with me.
King_David
(14,851 posts)antisemitic as well as homophobic group they truly are.
COLGATE4
(14,732 posts)King_David
(14,851 posts)And they back at it.
Surprisingly on a Democratic Party supporting website.
shira
(30,109 posts)https://www.rototomsunsplash.com/en/news-release/a-rototom-sunsplash-public-institutional-declaration-regarding-the-cancellation-of-matisyahu/
Hmm, just like fascist thugs from the 1930's and '40s.
shira
(30,109 posts)http://www.themideastbeast.com/jewish-rapper-matisyahu-pulls-out-of-spanish-festival-after-organizers-refuse-to-condemn-inquisition/
If only...
Little Tich
(6,171 posts)grossproffit
(5,591 posts)"Today music wins. Freedom of expression wins. Spain, this Saturday Aug 22nd.
I have always believed in the power of music to unite all people, regardless of religion, politics or geography. This was an excruciating decision, as I felt that my core, essential being was being used as a pawn for political convenience. It is my deep conviction however that acceptance and the ability for rebirth allow us to move forward.
The incredible outpouring of worldwide support from fans and organizations who rose up as one to protest the intrusion of politics into a borderless celebration of music has been humbling. My deepest thanks to the worldwide community for rallying to the cause of musical freedom. Most of all, thank you to my incredible fans and to so many people of all faiths who refused to remain silent in the name of artistic freedom. This is your victory." - Matis"
https://www.facebook.com/matisyahu/posts/10153617225314189
leftynyc
(26,060 posts)it sounds like the reception was generally positive:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/variety/2015/08/23/American-Jewish-musician-performs-despite-pro-Palestine-protests.html
Amid a packed audience at the event in Benicassim, near Valencia in eastern Spain, dozens of people whistled in disapproval as Matisyahu took to the stage in the early hours of Sunday, with some waving Palestinian flags and chanting "out, out".
But many others in the audience of hundreds applauded the musician as the concert got under way.
"Whoever you are and wherever you come from raise a flag and wave it in the air," Matisyahu called to the crowd before his closing song. "Let music be your flag," he added, after dancing his way through his 45-minute set.
Matisyahu, whose real name is Matthew Miller, earlier this week condemned the attempt to "coerce (him) into political statements" and said politics played no part in his music.
The campaign to eject Matisyahu was led by the Valencia branch of the BDS group, which opposes Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and campaigns against groups and individuals over their links to Israel.
King_David
(14,851 posts)I don't get the homophobia though.....
leftynyc
(26,060 posts)BDS will get very little support in the US because of both the antisemitism and the anti-gay attitudes that seem to infect that movement. Those that will downplay or deflect from that should be ashamed of themselves.