Boycott Brand Israel: Protest Idan Raichel's performance at Symphony Space.

Press Release

Art against Artwashing: Protesters outside Idan Raichel Concert Rap, Dance, and Sing Anti-Apartheid Message

November 19, New York, NY –  Demonstrators protesting the performance of Israeli musician Idan Raichel overflowed police barricades in front of Symphony Space Tuesday evening (PHOTOS). With creative signs, songs, poetry, dance and hip-hop performances, over 60 New Yorkers braved the sub-freezing temperatures to highlight the contradiction between Raichel’s self-image as a representative of a “tolerant, multi-ethnic Israel” and his role as a cultural ambassador for Israel and its brutal policies toward Palestinians.

Raichel’s image as a musician who crosses cultural boundaries has made him an important cultural ambassador for Israel in its rebranding campaign. Israeli Foreign Ministry official Andy David said of Raichel: “I think Idan is maybe the best ambassador that Israel has through his music and his inclusiveness.” Raichel has affirmed his role in drumming up support for the Israeli government, saying, “I believe that our role as artists is to enlist in the Israeli propaganda campaign [Hasbara].”

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Please join Adalah-NY outside Symphony Space (Broadway and West 95th) on Tuesday, November 18 from 6:30-8pm for a demonstration against the concert of the Touré-Raichel Collective, which features premiere Israeli "cultural ambassador" Idan Raichel. We'll be showing audience members and passers-by what art for a cause really looks like, with dance (Performed by the Columbia Palestinian Dabke Brigade), poetry, and protest music.

Idan Raichel describes his role as an artist in terms of uncritical support for the Israeli military and government. Before, during, and after this summer's horrific assault on Gaza, Raichel provided morale-building entertainment to the troops involved. His collaborations with diverse artists such as Vieux Farka Touré and performances for international audiences attempt to wash away Israel's egregious abuses of human rights - whether Palestinians or African asylum-seekers - with a veneer of multicultural music.

Applaud for art, not apartheid!

Spread the word on Facebook!

If you have not already signed our letter to the World Music Institute asking them to drop Idan Raichel, we urge you to do so now!

Subway information:
1, 2, or 3 trains to 96th Street.

Endorsers (list in formation): BDS Arts Coalition; Brooklyn College SJP; Brooklyn for Peace; City College of New York SJP; CODEPINK NYC; College of Staten Island SJP; Columbia SJP; Drew University SJP; International Socialist Organization NYC; Jews Say No!; Malcolm X Grassroots Movement; NYC Solidarity with Palestine; WESPAC Foundation; Women in Black, Union Square; Ya-Ya Network

Event Location: 

Symphony Space
2537 Broadway Broadway and West 95th
New York , NY

Event Date: 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 - 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Associated Initiative: 

World Music Institute: Don't Present Idan Raichel

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Content Type: 

Public Event

Shortlink: 

https://j.mp/3jNqgO3