The "Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon": Lebanon to witness two new concerts that violate the cultural boycott of the Zionist entity

“What do you think an artist is? An imbecile who only has eyes if he's a painter, ears if he's a musician, or a lyre in every chamber of his heart if he's a poet…? Quite the contrary, he is at the same time a political being constantly alert to the horrifying, passionate or pleasing events in the world, shaping himself completely in their image… No, painting is not made to decorate apartments. It's an offensive and defensive weapon against the enemy."-Pablo Picasso 

Once again, the "Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon" has spotted two new violations of the cultural boycott of the Zionist entity with the visit of two international artists who are either coming from or heading to “Israel”.  Australian artist Sia who will be performing in this year’s Byblos Festival on the ninth of August will head to “Israel” after two days to perform a similar event. While the Swedish DJ AVICII will first visit the Zionist entity to perform on the 22^ndof July then will play in Beirut the very next day in an event in BIEL.

First, we appeal to the two above mentioned artists to remind them that the border line which they have to cross through a long journey and via a third airport carries the burden of sad memories of horrific crimes “Israel” has committed in both Lebanon and Palestine. Therefore, we urge them not to use the beauty of their talents in white washing the ugly truth and the hideous crimes of “Israel” which still occupies Palestine, and parts of Lebanon and Syria and denies Palestinians their legitimate right to return to their land. 

Second, our campaign has already communicated to the organizers of Lebanese festivals in a private letter to highlight the harmful impact of inviting artists who have performed in the criminal Zionist entity. Organizers assured us that inviting artists who promote the image of “Israel” has never happened and never will. However we have drawn their attention that by “just performing” there, these artists are turning a blind eye to the “Israeli” regime’s occupation, colonialism, displacement, and apartheid, besides beautifying the bloody profile of the Zionist entity and promoting it as a glamorous beacon of culture and art. We take this as a new opportunity to appeal to the esteemed event organizers not to host bands and stars who support “Israel” on the global level. There are too many to mention here, however, we can provide a detailed list on request

Last but not least, we urge the Lebanese community, especially concerts fans, to firmly stand against any artist who supports “Israel” in public or implicitly by turning a blind eye to its crimes claiming that music and art are isolated from politics. We would like to remind our audience that the global boycott movement has succeeded in overthrowing the South African Apartheid regime. Let’s learn the lesson and take inspiration to use this weapon to resist and fight “Israel”, the entity of occupation, displacement, war crime, in addition to apartheid!

The "Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon"

Beirut, July 21, 2016