'Actors' boycott on settlement Cultural Center will tear Israel apart'
Minister of Culture and Sport slams 36 actors, artists, who refuse to participate in productions at new theater in Ariel.
By Chaim Levinson Tags: Israel settlementsMinister of Culture and Sport Limor Livnat on Saturday responded harshly on Saturday to an announcement by 36 theater actors and staff who declared they would refuse to perform at a cultural center built in the settlement of Ariel.
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Culture and Sport Minister Limor Livnat at a press conference in April, 2010. |
| Photo by: Nir Keidar |
"The theater directors should enlist immediately to address this crisis, since the actors and artists have decided to divide Israeli society," Livnat said.
The cultural center at the West Bank city of Ariel has been under construction for some 20 years, due to recurring funding shortages.
"This serious [boycott] creates a tear in the Israeli society and discriminates between audiences based on the political views of the actors and artists," Livnat went on to say. "Culture is a social bridge and we must leave politics out of the cultural and artistic realms."
The minister further called on theater directors to stick to the planned performance schedule, despite the boycott, in Ariel and all over the country, saying that "every citizen in Israel has the right to enjoy culture – anywhere."
The theater directors issued a response on Saturday, saying that the theater companies will perform anywhere there are Israeli citizens who love theater, including Ariel. "We will respect the political views of our actors," the statement said, "but we will bring the best of Israeli theater to Ariel."
On Wednesday, Haaretz reported that sveral of Israel's leading theater companies had agreed to perform in the new cultural center, due to open on November 8. The companies include the Habima National Theater, the Cameri Theater, the Be'er Sheva Theater and Jerusalem's Khan Theater.
The report sparked a stormy response, with 36 leading actors and theater personnel signing a letter addressed to the directors of their respective theater groups declaring that they would not participate in productions at the Ariel center.
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Livnat went on to say. "Culture is a social bridge and we must leave politics out of the cultural and artistic realms." ???? Very difficult to do this. Theatre reflects and explores what is going on, on countless levels. It is impossible to engage with what is going on, and leave it out, all at the same time.
Otherwise, what is "Israel"?
"...creates a tear in the Israeli society and discriminates between audiences based on the political views of the actors and artists" Since when is the protest of illegal settlements a "political view"?
If I was Israeli, I would boycott the “artists” concerned (short of charging them with treason and revoking their citizenship) until they acknowlege, unlike much of the world, that Israel has a right to defensible borders – as per UN Res. 242. Ariel and her residents are part of that defense. This town is on DISPUTED territory, not necessarily Pal or Arab lands as so many here always suggest. As for that "line", call it what you will, it has been proven useless for 61 years and counting. Recognize Israel, and the line will soon vanish.
It is not the actors of conscience and decency that are, as Ms. Livnat states, dividing Israel. It is the settlements, each and every one illegal under international law, that are not only dividing Israel but dividing the world from Israel. The world must salute these courageous Israeli actors. They are the vanguard of a better Israel, an Israel without the settlements.
I would like to know who these people are so we don't buy any ticket where they will be performed. How come Haaretz did not list the names? Free press??
Settlement = Not in Israel Thank you, boycotting actors, an island of integrity in a sea of ignorance.
This action can not tear Isarel apart since Ariel is not a part of Isarel. If the Ariel inhabitants request the right to enjoy Isareli culture, move to Israel !!
You are right ! Extreme right wing, Bibi, settlers, extreme rabbis and so on are only part of the (biased un)democratic debate of the Israeli society. But theater actors are traitors and self hating jews like Israel Shahak, Amira Hass or Abraham Burg, not deserving any critical thinking of you since 1966 and the occupation policy. Good luck !
actors and artists have decided to divide Israeli society Livnat says.. how ironic and stupid of her to say and since when cultural and artistic realms are dictated what and where or even why? Isn't art about artist's free will and freedom to perform where what and when s/he wants? Besides , finally some "new age- educated- out of the box- outspoken- brave- and very LOYAL artists who stood up and have spoken their opinion. art does not have a secret agenda and is not a social bridge.. art is what it is and the right wing government of Netanyahu and doberman Oops I meant Lieberman is the one dividing the Israeli society
oh the "useful idiots" of the arts...uniformed non thinkers whose only religion is that of the left. So sad that these people cannot get out of the way of play acting to really understand what their country faces if they loose control. Laura Ingram,an american journalist,wrote a book entitled "shut up and sing" centering on barbara streisend and those like her...this title applies here also..."shut up and act".
That's it a blacklist! Im Tirzu needs to compile another rogues roster, this time of "actors", and distribute to the pro Israel community world wide. Maybe even Glenn Beck? Make sure that these miscreants never work outside of North TA again.
All nonsense, until now they have not performed there, there is nothing new in their continuing not to perform there.
You've done it before, cutting the budgets of the universities in favor of the colleges (incl. the settler college), and now it's the turn of that other left wing institution, the theaters. Funding a settler theater at expense of the Israeli theaters - please stop your petty politics, just do your job.
settlements are tarnishing Israel's image across the world, risking the lives of IDF Soldiers and is a stumbling block to peace and diplomacy. this lady has nerve to suggest they are tearing Israel apart. it is her subservience to a radical few, to keep coalitions, that present a clearer danger. the blame games in politics...
Livnat says: ""Culture is a social bridge and we must leave politics out of the cultural and artistic realms." And who will be monitoring the arts for compliance if not politicians? The finest art, art that lives and moves us, is that which upsets the status quo.
Jordan were the occupiers and gave something that didn't belong to them to the Palestinians.
The settlements are the instrument of the Israeli policy of landgrabbing. And the reason why Israel can't have peace with its Palestinian neighbours. The settlers, alas, have the power to bring down any Israeli government. Luckily, some Israelis are beginning to understand that this cannot go on. Let's hope they can save Israel as a civilized nation.
These 36 actors are right. They don't boycott Israel ; they boycott the settlements. They send a message of peace to the Palestinians. Other people should send such messages among the Israelis and among the Palestinians.
Limor Livnat should take care what she says. To destroy any group you foment its divisions and if they do not exist you first work to create them. Successful applications of this sorrowful technique are too numerous to catalogue.
If Israel survives, it will be because of courageous Jews like these. Bravo to every one of you.
it is because of people like this...that Israel will have a hard time surviving...Jews against the safety and security of their country is tantamount to injecting the whole state with a lethal disease. Thanks actors without talent...you foolish lemmings.
Nice to see some people with a little honour and integrity from Israel. Most unusual.
u interested in the political actions of actors in any other country worldwide...No .... quelle surprise..... u r such a fraud
u interested in the political actions of actors in any other country worldwide...No .... quelle surprise..... u r such a fraud
Who are these slugs so I know not to buy ticketes to any of their excretions.
Any Israeli performer who boycotts a stage in any Israeli community because of their personal political beliefs should have their govt subsidies terminated. For people who profess to keep politics out of the world of the performing arts, they are hypocrites at best and traitors at the worst. Cancel their theater groups subsidies, performances and benefits.
listen to yourself, you sound so hateful...its a shame that some of us jews are turning so fascist and closed minded...
You see, they are already VOLUNTARILY forgoing work on MORAL grounds. .... You do know what morals are?
I don't recall agreeing that billions of dollars of Israeli tax money go to building these awful settlements. Good for the actors! This is not a political issue, but a moral issue, and people must line up on one side or the other.
If Palestinians are also included when see ask for the rights for everybody to enjoy culture. Are Palestinians included when she says: "Culture is a social bridge and we must leave politics out of the cultural and artistic realms." or will Israel continue boycotting the right of the Palestinians to culture?
..the same day you can see Fiddler on the Roof in Mecca and Medina.
will now come to visit Ariel and its cultural centre! And will enjoy real culture not the culture of PA TV and farfour Mouse which the actors accept.
But certainly those coming from first world countries are unlikely to put a visit to the Ariel "cultural centre" on their itinerary.
But certainly those coming from first world countries are unlikely to put a visit to the Ariel "cultural centre" on their itinerary.
But certainly those coming from first world countries are unlikely to put a visit to the Ariel "cultural centre" on their itinerary.
Lady the only thing tearing your people apart is supporting your occupation of the Palestinian people. The actors choose not to entertain thieves and thugs. I applaud them for that choice and I wish them much luck in continuing to do so. If those settlers want to be entertained let them go back to Israel proper like most law-abiding Israelis and go to a theater inside of Israel.
just next door to ariel is Joshua's tomb. Joshua was before Islam and before arabs lived in Israel. So pray tell who is occupying whose land?
Guess what Madame Minister, Ariel and the other bantustans are occupied territory, not Israel.
The vast majority will perform. It will not like some other Haaretz artical "tear Israel apart". These actors have in Israel the right to boycott-but they don't get paid either.
Get over yourselves
once could say they were being drama queens! boom boom!
will tear Israel apart. Doesn't say much for Israel.
and i feel so much sadness for israelis on the left, who have to watch their country decline into fascism.
they're not acting?
It could be as simple that they don't want to go to Ariel because it smells. We really don't know.
...that she should have accused the actors involved in attempting to "further" divide Israeli society--in that from what I read here and elsewhere (including the talk-backs), Israeli society is ALREADY DIVIDED--along, among other lines, political, religious, socioeconomic, and ethnic--to name a few.
German companies have sold nuclear technology to Iran and Libya. Germany is again deep in Sh-t and you are talking about how Israel is divided. You should care more about your own country. You guys have started I and II WW. Wake up!
This is like boycotting Jim Crow south and refusing to play in segregated theaters. Good for them. Occupiers are entitled to nothing.
Culture is not made by the leftist elite. it belongs to the people. if the poeple fund the arts throuht taxes. then it should be opened to all. i think that the Ministery of Culture should stop supporting anyone the that makes ues of the arts for politial statments.
The proposed performances in the settlements are political rather than cultural statements
Because we as the public will refuse and boycott them instead so nobody will support and sponsor the shows they are in except the ones who put the boycott "bug" in their empty heads to start with. When you "act" as professional you put your own views and egos aside or if you are "yourself" then you are not "acting" thanks for publicizing their names we will boycott them instead and hopefully find them homeless
Courageous actors. Hope to see more from these actions by the Israeli intelligentia in the near future.. and don’t worry what this or that minister from the bibi government say… all of them are the same… keep on going, you will be the winners at the end of the day.. I respect and support fully your decision
why would any moral person want to aid and abet this crime. As to Israel being torn apart---so.
that land was stolen?
Sure, it´s not hard to find the names and documents on the original owners of the land where Ariel and Barkan now resides. Some of the best known cases regard the Muchsen and Daoud familes, there are plenty of others. Mr. F, can you show the documents of legal purchase from the palestininan familis to the Ariel community ?
...that bombed themselves in Israel?
Frankly the settlers have been a real paijn in teh backside, what with their sense of entitlement, law breaking, incitement, and their smug sense that they will never be prosecuted. Rip out teh settlements and send these troublemakers back to whatever failed state they came from. Abide by th4e laws or get the hell out of ISrael no exception.
Livni is right. Do not divide Israel! Besides, Ariel, will never be given back anyway! It will be part of land exchanges.....or not even that, if peace doesn't break out....
force them to perform at gunpoint?
Those few actors who choose to boycott will be replaced by others. We have a LOT of excellent performers in this country and very few signed this letter. We should respect their will to boycott and simply exchange them for others.
Not at all What i wanted to do was get you to think about how you can stop people from refusing to do what you want them to do if they don't want to do it. There is video footage of Uday hussein pointing a gun at a band to make them play, i presume the wingnuts posting here would resort to the same tactics if necessary.
This IS coming out of discrimination - the Zionist government of Israel's discrimination against non-Jews. The boycott is a necessary measure to protect those who don't have a voice in the so-called "democracy" of Israel. Keep the boycott alive until human rights - not just Jewish rights - are recognized in Israel.
Jewish rights are human rights! Where were you when Frances Jews and Sweden's Jews (In Malmo) were and are being discriminated against by Islamo-fascists? What were your parents/grandparents doing to save Jews during the Holocaust? Come off your high horse! BE HONEST !
Only after a final status agreement with the Pals, should plays be condoned in Ariel by national theatre companies. It has not yet been formalized what we will conceded to the Pals in lieu of the Pal territory that Ariel in occupying.
then you started shooting
Only after a final status agreement with the Pals, should plays be condoned in Ariel by national theatre companies. It has not yet been formalized what we will conceded to the Pals in lieu of the Pal territory that Ariel in occupying.
Minister Limor Livnat needs some
... acting plays on settlements confers a message of capitulating to the evil of requisitioning Pal lands and resources... how can they risk condoning that...?
I agree with nyou Esther. But let's not forget that the city of Ariel is not an isolated settlement and even the late President Arafat agreed that it stay within the boundaries of any future agreement. The theatre directors have already issued a joint statement confirming that they will respect the political beliefs of their performers but that they will be sending productions as scheduled.
As long as culture is funded by all taxpayers the theater companies have a legal obligation to perform for all citizens with out regard to their political opinions, race or affiliation. Actors who can't live up to that obligation have no right to receive public funding.
Do you seriously think that a letter from 36 people (a few actors + others connected with the theatre) is going to stop the Occupation? The Palestinians have had two chances to reach an agreement and they blew both by resorting to violence. They could have had their own country years ago but it's hard to concentrate on peace talks when the leaders are so deep in corruption (remember Mrs. Arafat who inherited billions of dollars rightfully belonging to the Palestinian people!).
Jews, always so self-centered ! They never learn.
"We wish to express our disgust with the theater’s board’s plans to perform in the new auditorium in Ariel. The actors among us hereby declare that we will refuse to perform in Ariel, as well as in any other settlement. We urge the boards to hold their activity within the sovereign borders of the State of Israel within the Green Line."
It is the good people of Israel that must force change form with in... Cultural activity, is good place for people think about to how setelment are looked at on global/Moral stage. Brovo!
Vardit Shalfi, a dramaturg who who helped put the letter together, told Ynet: Ariel is not a legitimate community, and as such, is against international law and international treaties that the State of Israel has signed. This means anyone performing there would be considered a criminal according to international law. The theater’s boards should inform their actors that there are apartheid roads for Jews only that lead into the settlement of Ariel. The moment we perform there, we are giving legitimization to this settlement’s existence.
Shame on Livnat for deflecting the blame for the great rift in Israel and indeed in the entire world Jewish community. Israel's 'settlement' policies are to blame for the rift. If there is not an extension to the building freeze, there will never be any peace, and who will be to blame for THAT?
Madame Minister was right in saying that every citizen in Israel has the right to enjoy culture, except... Ariel is not in Israel, now is it?. It is de facto in a foreign country, built on a land forcefully taken from their rightful inhabitants. Settlements like Ariel are what is tearing Israel apart, not actors who are showing their integrity by boycotting this "cultural event".
..torn.
It is interesting that the first boycott by Israelis against the settlers is by actors, but this profession allows them to be less inhibited. For a similar reason, foreign actors are the first to boycott Israel for the sin of occupation. A boycott by Israelis is appropriate because it allows the citizenry to express its true opinion, which the Knesset has a more difficult time doing due to political considerations. The boycott should be more widespread, and not only for cultural events. People who are against the occupation should not employ or give work to settlers, thus allowing them to maintain their harmful "lifestyle". Let the people of Israel speak out in a way the settlers can hear.
"The minister further called on theater directors to stick to the planned performance schedule, despite the boycott, in Ariel and all over the country, saying that "every citizen in Israel has the right to enjoy culture – anywhere."
This is a tough issue but I give credit to those people who are following their conscience on whether to perform in the "Territories". Livnat is wrong when she says that these actors are leaving Israeli society - it is the Israeli Government who have created this schism and it is their fault that this issue is creating a divide in Israeli society. Do your Job Livnat, make peace and decide on the borders - then you can kvetch to us.
You're absolutely right. Ariel is NOT part of Israel before international law, but it may become so if included in a land swap with the Palestinians. So the Israeli government better do its job instead of falling back upon pure demagogy.
"The minister further called on theater directors to stick to the planned performance schedule, despite the boycott, in Ariel and all over the country, saying that "every citizen in Israel has the right to enjoy culture – anywhere."
you make yourself illegitimate
I believe Michael was saying that finally, someone in the Israeli government has said that Israel is "a state of all its citizens"--which would then include the Arab citizens (which is of course not what she meant). He is using her own words against her, and it is very clever. Bravo!
I believe Michael was saying that finally, someone in the Israeli government has said that Israel is "a state of all its citizens"--which would then include the Arab citizens (which is of course not what she meant). He is using her own words against her, and it is very clever. Bravo!
no hypocricy here!!!!!!
Ira, the actors did not make this choice based on the possibility of you boycotting them. The choice was made on legal, indeed, moral grounds. They signed the letter, they made comments by name in Ynet. This is not about an actor in a show, please see the bigger picture here: the settlements are illegal, period. Most will be vacated, just like Gaza, the few large settlement blocks will be turned over to Israel for a land exchange. This is how it will be, time is the only question.
This is the beginning of a long and painful end to the fascism that has become commonplace in Israeli society. Ira Gelnik, open your eyes and see.