Published today (updated) 31/08/2010 19:43

BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Hundreds gathered Monday at the Habima National Theater in Tel Aviv to demonstrate support for its actors who are boycotting performances in the occupied West Bank settlement of Ariel.

A Communist Party of Israel member, Knesset member Dov Henin, said at the rally that “the Israeli theater is not and will not be a puppet theater. It is a theater of people with independent thoughts and consciences.”

Peace Now general secretary Yariv Oppenheimer also said the rally “wasn”t only sending a message about the occupation, but also about democracy,” a Communist Party statement said.