Monday, January 10, 2011

Letter to the Palestine National Orchestra

Dear Palestine National Orchestra:

Artists 4 Israel (A4I) is writing to express our delight that you recently performed in Israel.

Your concert in Haifa last week strengthened the forces of co-existence that are so badly needed
for a peaceful, prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians. Haifa is a beautiful city which
has thrived from the contributions from both Arabs and Jews.

As you are no doubt aware, there exists a movement to “boycott, divest and sanction” Israel.
Any artist that plans to perform in Israel, even if the trip includes the Palestinian territories,
is pressured by this “BDS” movement to cancel. This ideological movement feigns concern for
Palestinian suffering, yet it perpetuates endless war against Israel until it submits to its narrow
definition of “justice”.

Obviously, justice is best served by those like you, which see for the Palestinians no future in
rejectionism and no limits in co-existence. As your director, Mr. Khoury, recently said, "We
truly believe that a state is not only about buildings and roads, but most importantly it is about
its people, their values, their arts and their cumulative cultural identity. Today an orchestra,
tomorrow a state!”

Artists 4 Israel (A4I) is a community of creative individuals that express Israel's right to exist in
peace and security. We support Israel because Israel supports the arts. We feel the same as Mr.
Khoury, and we see in the arts the transformative power to bridge cultural divides. You are not
just leading your society in this regard, but serving as a model for the entire region. For this, A4I
thanks you!

Kol Hakavod!

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