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Published on 26 October 2015
British artists: Anti-Israel boycotts are divisive and discriminatory
Published in Israel Hayom October 23, 2015
More than 150 U.K. artists and writers signed a letter published in the British newspaper the Guardian on Thursday condemning boycotts against Israel and calling for coexistence and dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians.
The letter announced the establishment of a group called Culture for Coexistence, an independent initiative seeking to promote peaceful coexistence between the two sides. It supports a two-state solution and favors "open dialogue" rather than boycotts, which it terms "divisive and discriminatory."
Harry Potter author and philanthropist J.K. Rowling was among the signatories of the letter, which said that "cultural engagement builds bridges [and] nurtures freedom."
Other prominent figures who put their names to the letter include Booker Prize laureate Hilary Mantel, author Fay Weldon, actress Zoe Wanamaker, Turkish-British playwright and actor Cosh Omar, and several members of Parliament.
"Cultural boycotts singling out Israel are divisive and discriminatory, and will not further peace. Open dialogue and interaction promote greater understanding and mutual acceptance, and it is through such understanding and acceptance that movement can be made towards a resolution of the conflict," the letter said... Read more.