Filmmakers, Artists and Cultural Workers Call for a Cultural Boycott of Israel
During the past few weeks we have borne witness to the escalation of Israeli aggression on the people of Gaza. After 18 months of Israel”s economic blockade of Gaza, including the restriction of food, medicine and humanitarian supplies, the past weeks have witnessed the heaviest aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip since 1967. The situation of the civilian population there is more critical than ever before.
In approximately two weeks, 917 Palestinians have been killed by Israel (284 children & 100 women) and 4,260 injured.
We re-launch and remind of the Palestinian call for boycott in 2006, following Israel”s attack on Lebanon and Palestine.
We appeal to all artists, filmmakers, and cultural workers of conscience around the world to cancel all exhibitions, festivals and other cultural events that are scheduled to occur in Israel. As Artists who believe in human freedom and equality, we must refuse to remain silent and make our voices heard. Like the boycott of South African art institutions during apartheid, cultural workers must speak out against the current Israeli war crimes and atrocities.
We call upon the International community to join us in the boycott of Israeli film festivals, Israeli public venues, and Israeli institutions supported by the government, and to end all cooperation with all cultural and artistic institutions that to date have refused to take a stand against the Occupation, the root cause for this colonial
conflict. We call on those Israeli artists, academics and intellectuals who continue to serve in the Israeli army, and who remain silent, to take a stand – to refuse to serve in the Army, to speak out against occupation and war, otherwise they are directly implicated in these crimes.
Only international pressure on Israel will bring about an end to Israel”s continued aggressions. Israel must be forced to comply with international law and basic human rights.
We encourage all forms of non-violent protest in solidarity with the people Palestine. We call upon you to make your voices heard in calling for an end to this bloodshed and an end to this oppression that has lasted too long.
