More than 150 American television and film artists have signed a letter in support of an Israeli artists’ boycott of performing in the West Bank.
The letter, signed by actors, writers and directors, was drafted and organized by Jewish Voice for Peace.
Praising the “brave decision” by Israeli theater professionals not to perform in Ariel, the letter says, “we salute our Israeli counterparts for their courageous decision.”
“Most of us are involved in daily compromises with wrongful acts. When a group of people suddenly have the clarity of mind to see that the next compromise looming up before them is an unbearable one — and when they somehow find the strength to refuse to cross that line — we can’t help but be overjoyed and inspired and grateful, “ the letter says.
Signatories include actors Ed Asner, Cynthia Nixon, Mandy Patinkin, Theodore Bikel and playwright Tony Kushner. British artists also signed on.
More than 50 Israeli theater professionals signed a petition in late August saying they will not perform in the new Ariel cultural center when it opens in November. The center, which cost more than $10 million, was built with public funds. Several major Israeli theaters are scheduled to stage productions there this year.
At least 150 Israeli academics and authors also are supporting the boycott. — jta