A ban for a ban

Thanks for spoiling the same-old/same-old politically correct spin with facts and historical perspective! I did not know the history you refer to, Josh, about Palestinians in other Arab nations before the formation of Israel. This certainly sheds light on a murky topic that needs some revisiting...

Post 69 rewritten: "As a progressive, self-hating American-Jew I fully support any steps that pressure Israel to end its unfortunately necessary occupation of Palestine. I support divestment from American companies that invest in Israel..I personally will never buy an Israeli product ...I support the complete end of foreign aid to Israel. I support totally screwing Israel in her struggle to live amidst neighbors who openly state that they want to wipe Israel off the map. As an affluent American Jew who buys every Palestinian sob story wholesale, I know it is time for Israel to be stopped before they commit more 'crimes against humanity,' like protecting their citizens from suicide bombing and missiles. This is for Israel`s good as much as for the good of Israel`s long suffering, racist, extremist, violent, crazy neighbors."

I agree with you: boycots are usually stupid, useless and often hypocritical. Having said that, it would help Israel if its citizens would understand that there is an ELEPHANT in the room: the continued occupation by Israel of Arab territories will fuel Arab resentment and hatred. That is the reality and there is NO way around that issue.

Mehmet, you're missing the point. These whining Countries who are boycotting Israeli films are the same ones who send suicide bombers to kill innocent civilians, deprive their citizens of free speech and worship, keep them in line with the secret police and hand-out candy after terrorist attacks. Yes,the U.S has made serious errors, but the difference between the US and Turkey is we recognize we were wrong and have tried to correct this by addressing the problem. Turkey refuses to aknowledge its genocide or its blood-soaked history and instead blames the victims.That is the reason why there is so much hostility towards your country and why the "moral outrage" expressed is hypocritical and unwarranted.Yes,there are churches in Turkey, but you can't build new ones, your journalists are censored and jailed, your access to knowledge restricted,"white slavery" is condoned and you have poor relations with your Christian neighbors.You can't be forgiven until you ask for it.

I'm in favor of showing Arab films at the European film festivals. Might I suggest they submit the video tape of the Perle beheading .Not to your liking, Eurabia ? Then there are MANY other Arab butcheries and beheadings kindly captured by the camera to choose from . The French are into " cinema verite" are they not ?? GIVE THEM THE REAL THING !

Maybe those Israeli artists were protesting against attacks committed by the pal terrorists. I would also ask where were the pal artists when this was happening. One of the Israelis mentioned in the article defended a pal artist and support him even though his film was Islamofascist propaganda on Jenin, the ?massacre? which turned out to be a hoax. Maybe that Israeli has changed his mind and won?t support any pal anymore. As for Lebanon, it was Hizbollah who started it all,. Since you come out with Lebanon, where were the pal artists when the PLO was massacring Lebanese Christians? Have they publicly condemned it? Are you really posting from Israel? Are you there with the ISM or something?

..continued For instance, the first time I visited Syria for business, I was really shocked. Because Syria was an Arab country with no freedom according to my knowledge. However, it was really a beautiful country. The people living there, the culture, everything was beautiful. Ok, they don't have a real freedom of critisizing the government but except this everyone has a good life. Christians and Muslems are living together. I learned that what you hear and know, isn't really the reality. My point is, please do not accuse with the knowledge you get from what you hear only. I even had a friend from Poland who asked me if she would be arrested when she would wear a miniskirt. How could she ask something? Because she didn't know how Turkey is. Just like you.

Dealing with such a difficult situation, i just wanted to ask to the israel artists: where were you at time of war? Did you declare your ideas in the israel media? Did you oposite clearly to war? Did you denounce what was going on in Lebanon? I did not listen anything, the artists desapeared of the israel escene. I am very happy when people met israel artists and they disvoverd that there are people in the art who work hardly about peace and tolerance. But, why do not open your mouth here? Is it good to be a peace fighter outside, and a very conformist person here in Israel? Ana

No one is forbidden to use family names for their children, unless it complies with the Turkish language. A letter not included in the Turkish alphabet cannot be used in a name officially. that's all about it. Turkish Military is not going to attack the one part of Iraq as you say. We will, if needed, do attack the terrorists in the one part of Iraq. It's not different than Israel attacking Lebanon claiming it is attacking Hezbollah. But here will be a huge difference. Turkey will never ever kill innocent people, because this is against our beliefs. Please learn Turkish and read the Turkish papers so that you see the authors critisizingthe government and laws. It is not the way you think it is. Again, I'm not saying that we have a perfect country. Of course, we do have problems in economy, problems in politics, problems in many things. I never said that my country is perfect. I'm just saying that it isn't as you see it from there. continued..

So, has your government been consulting with you about their plans for the Kurds? Not just the remnants in Turkey who are forbidden to use family names for their children, but the ones they plan to go after in the north of Iraq? The one part of Iraq that MY country, (without MY input by the way,) has NOT managed to reduce to chaos, YOUR country is planning to attack? YOUR country, where authors dare not critisize the country for fear of being jailed? Yeah, y'all are real big supporters of rights. NOT. I didn't see anyone claiming that WE were perfect, far from it, but at least we can point that out in public without fear of being jailed for our opinions. Good luck if you decide to stray from the 'party line.'The Arab MKs can interrupt the PMs speech.... Maybe someday you too will be able to accept that YOUR country isn't as perfect as you seem to think it is; go, find a dissident, see if they will tell you the truth, because your government won't allow them to speak publicly

terrorist acts against their govts, led by none other than ---- Yasssar Arafat! Don't believe me? Fine! you may choose to remain ignorant or just look up Black September when King Hussein of Jordan had to mass murder over 10,000 Arafat led Palestinians for their constant seiges to protect his country! During the 67 Arab, Israeli wars, Israel conquered Jordan! After the wars, Israel offered to return the West Bank & Gaza back to Jordan but the Jordanian govt. refused, as it would bring back the Palestinians! How relieved they were to just dump them on Israel to deal with! NOW THEY OCCUPY ISRAELS LAND! So what does Israel do? THEY MAKE PEACE OFFERINGS TO THE PALESTINIANS! Is there ANYONE who can deny this or the fact that NEVER has a single Arab nation even cared or dared to treat the Palestinians with such human diplomacy? they can take their "art" and themselves with it back to their home.........jordan!

Ok everyone! lets just deal with the truth! Even a fool should know that the most important event in all of Jewish history was the migration out of Egypt at or around 1250 BCE! It gave them an identity, a nation & a founder! Even the first line of Exodus will PROVE the establishment of ISRAEL at this time! Fair enough everyone? Now to the " Palestinians." The name " Palestine " was created & first used by the Roman emperor Hadrian at or around 132 AD! Any history book on the Mid East, even by non Jewish authors or sources will verify this! The name was chosen to insult the Jews for their resistance to the might of Rome during the Masada & Bar-Kochbah revolts to preserve their freedom! So everyone, can we all now agree that the first " Palestinians "---- WERE JEWS! So then, from where, when & why did todays Palestinians arrive in the West Bank & Gaza where they still reside? Reasonable question? Todays Palestinians were driven out of most Arab nations for their criminal,

Pinto,I wish you would have been as angry at the acts of your government as much as you are at your palestinian artists and colleagues!I know that there are wonderul people in Israel who stood against the atrocities of the IDF be it normal citizens, journalists or artists some you are mentioning among others. The whole world boycotted south africa during the appartheid regime and it worked. May be Israel needs to feel the pain and the isoaltion of being boycott so it can come back to its senses. Your government and people are so taken by this war mentality and occupation. Lots of innocent people are killed evey single day by the IDF. There are innocent people to every conflict and some israeli artist are victims to this boycot because of the acts your governement. It is time to stand up to your principals and get ANGRY at your government. They are killing in your name, so speak up with the same voice like your palestinian artists.

I'm not saying that we had a full freedom regarding some issues like Kurdish. But what you don't know is, that the Kurds can even have courses on Kurdish now in Turkey. I'm not against any Kurds; I have very good Kurdish friends as well. You all guys are just repeating the same stuff like a parrot. Turkey had some problems in the history, but I can assure you, the US had more. If it comes to Kurds, than I can remind you of black people in the US. You know much better how all the white Americans were treating them. Or the redskins? No need to say anything. Especially you guys living in the US, I'm really sorry for you, because you live on land which is built on childrens, womens, mens, elderlys blood and body. As being the only nation who used a nuclear bomb to kill thousands you must feel the sorrow I think. But what do you do instead? You always blame others. Turkey is trying very hard to overcome all of its problems. Come and see it yourself.

Hello Andre, These attacks that you mention were individual attacks and didn't have anything to do with the Turkish culture and people. I can assure you that all of the Turkish people have condemned those attacks. No Turkish citizen approved these attacks. And no church in Turkey feels now in danger, because they know that they are safe in here. I really don't know any handicaps the churches in Turkey are facing. They have all the rights and freedom here. I agree with you about the fact that there are some problems with freedom of speech. And this is something which I'm totally against. But believe me, this is not as serious as you think it is. But think of France or Switzerland where there isn't also freedom of speech. An example? It is forbidden to say that there was no Armenian Genocide. Although I was born and lived for 9 years in Switzerland and love Switzerland, I do believe that this doesn't comply with the freedom of speech as well.

"If you don`t want a strong response, eschew violence and choose discourse." Stop the bull, end the occupation and let the expelled non-jews return. This is the only solution. But you just want to drag your feet as you expell more non-jews and build more jewish-only towns. If you wanted to end the conflict you could have done it like the Indonesians did: pull out and take your extremist settlers with you. THAT'S ALL!!

for decades. Well I would say it's about time to turn around and do something about the rampant hate propaganda against Israel that you helped implant in too many eager minds. The left has been a mouth piece for the so called "poor Palestinian people" with a kind of condescension as if these people cannot speak for themselves. Well they can but you haven't been listening to them.

A boycott is a means of non-violent resistance and should be supported by all those who oppose Israel's ongoing brutal occupation of the West Bank and its assault on the world's largest outdoor prison, Gaza. Daily Israel continues to build the wall that separates Palestinians from their agricultural lands, their families and their schools. Daily the checkpoints serve to humiliate Palestinians and to destroy whatever is left of their livelihood. Daily Palestinian lands are taken to enlarge the illegal settlements. Daily the olive trees and homes fall to the bulldozer. Daily the repression continues unabated. I would love for Israeli movies to be shown around the world but until the occupation ends and Israel obeys UN resolutions just as it expects Lebanon to do, the boycott of Israeli artists and products must go on. I'm sorry but there seems to be no other way to bring about an end to occupation and to repression.

Next steps that may follow after art boycott: - boycott Israeli athletes on sport competions, including the Olimpics - boycott awarding prizes to Israeli scientists, writers, etc. - extend the boycott to other cultures, skin colors, sexual orientation, political positions, etc Hmm, that sounds familar ...

"A widespread boycott of everything Israeli might be the only thing that will force Israel into making a genuine peace with the Palestinians. Nothing else has worked." Alas, the baby is right; nothing else has worked. Certainly not offering Arafat over 90% of the territories or evacuating Gaza. Why are 14,000 workers a day dredging up sand in the Persian Gulf building the most ostentatious resort known to mankind while Palestinians are living in refugee camps. Do the arabs really want a homeland for the Palestinians?

are you sure you are not letting the bloody, painful and devastatingly hideous history of what happened to the Scots at the hands of the english color you view? maybe a wee bit? Jews have been thrown out, rejected, attacked, vilified, tortured and murdered in every country in Europe--east or west--for more than 1500 years. over 6 million european Jews were systematically murdered in WWII. mostly by the Germans but several other European nations made sure those"dirty Jews" didn't find a home in their country! And now that the Israelis are returning fire on those hellish monsters, hezbollah, who started the latest round of this war that has been going on since the time of Abraham, now that the Israelis are defending themselves, it's somehow their fault. Well, at least Europe is consistent in it's hatred of the Jews.

Hey Bar gangi, Isn't it interesting how the Palestinians and Hezbollah and other Arabs initiate hostilities and then complain when Israel responds "too strongly." If you don't want a strong response, eschew violence and choose discourse. I am fascinated by Hezbollah's claim of victory. Southern Lebanaon is rubble and the leader is sitting in a bunker because it is not safe to come out. If this is "victory," I'd sure hate to see defeat. The Lebanese may like Hezbollah now, but eventually it is going to dawn on them that this state within a state ruined their lives. Get a clue. Jeff

no . its time to boycott israel.

Reading most of the posts here, posts that are full lies, full of hatefull rethoric and barely masked ant-semitism, makes me feel like 1933 all over again. Boycot the Israel, boycot the Jews - we've heard it before. We all know how it starts and we know how it ends. G-d's willing people of Israel will survive and ultimately win.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=%20750345&contrassID=2 I am sure that many of the participants in this talkback would score between 230-300.

it makes them feel better about their legacy of colonizing 80% of the world. How hypocritical that you criticize Israel while they take the backlash for what you all did, after you oppressed Jews for a couple thousand years of course. But who cares what you Europeans think anyway. There will be no more Europe in about 50 years - just a CALIPHATE. So party it up.

tony.price@paradise.net.nz. You're welcome, Mehmet. Our guide was from Bursa on our trip round your country. We had a brief stay in Istanbul, up in Taksim, but for such a short tour, only 10 days, we had to keep moving. I would like to make the point to others that every country has atrocities in their past, and every country has potential underlying racist or religious bigots. That is why I wonder at Israel doing things now which other nations did many years ago, and always with predictable adverse consequences. How many times do humans have to reinvent the wheel? By the way, Attaturk was a successful military leader with a difference, because he didn't glory in the killing of others, but understood the true human cost of wars far better than any modern leader I can think of.

Mr John P. from Scottalnd. Thank you. Here is an article that shows that Jews and Palestinians are really genetically very similar. You see they want to hide behind the US decomcracy and values. But they are cousins. They need to live in peace and Israel needs to follow: Land for PEACE. Simple. Why run away from that fact. Here is the article: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,605798,00.html

i think we should learn from Chaplin. he made "the great dictator" to mock from hitler. since we have many hitler-wana-be in this world, mainly in some arab countries i believe there is more than enough material so they get their own film. humble suggestion to film makers.

2à years ago I was 1000 % infavour of Israel. When getting older, taking distance with the history and analyzing the data, I have to conclude that today I have become 100% in favour of your neighbours. At what time have bridges been baptized "Hézbollah", an energy plnt been named "Hezbollah", killing 100 of chidren. Destroying a whole country for 2 soldiers ... You where very close to peace for the third time and you have again torpedoed peace. It's becoming a habit with your country. The only thing sure : you have been seeding new young "Hezbollah". What a pity. Lord Calvour should be ashamed. And I will from now not buy anymore products "made in Isreal" as a protest to your shocking methods. Indeed more & more peoeple in Europe wonder why Jews condcuts themselves that way. A matter of religion ? I'm very sad about Israelian people.

boycott is the weapon arab use against israel. i dont think we should use the same kind of attitude. instead i would suggest use the best weapon we can use, and that is to make quality art, the one that remains art even after those lack of character are gone. if france doesnt want to have access to israeli art,science or whatever, that is their loss.

The arabs in France represent 10% of the population against 1% for the jews. The arabian community is deeply involved-in connection with the so called "intellectual" french community, some media-namely France Info, Le Monde, Liberation and the marxists papers and the pro-Arab french foreign policy-in the antisemitic persecussion which has began in 2000. France has gained the first rank for antisemitism in Europe, the largest graveyard of murdered jews. Hard facts but facts. GFB

a used car from this man?I don't need art, I need transportation.

Very good piece, but I have a question for you... Since when are the Muslims enlightened??? Another one of their lies, I guess. Just like winning the Six day War, or the Yom Kippur War, such great warriors, ha, what a laugh.

Its time for America to boycott Israel. They are a burden to America.What good are they to the USA?

"What if 68 percent of Muslims and Arabs would say that Zionism should be destroyed even if civilians are hurt? The media would get crazy." There's no what if, many muslims and arabs are saying that. Many suicide bombers' families are getting paid because their relative took his own life and civilian israelis. That's Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs. Oh, and the media is reporting that.

Goel Pinto is right. Boycott Palestinians and boycott also this kind of festival in Europe. Remenber thzat Europeis the most important jewish graveyard in the world. The European dream-the destruction of the jews- was almost accomplished by the the germans under the leading of Hitler. But the Nazis didn't finish the job. Every war between Israel and the green fascists will help european nations to try to forget their leading role in the jewish mass murder they comitted and to bring back to life the old dream. Europe loves the "Shoah jews" because they are dead jews. So don't collaborate with them and don't try to persuade them. By chance, Europe is weakening everyday. Just let her die. The fate she deserves. And if you think that you need european intellectuals to talk with, you're wrong. European intellectuals have always prefered to obey and to sing the glory of "fuhrers and lider maximo". Israel is a democratic and a free society. You don't have to speak with foes. GFB

You've taken a disputed land mass that is subject to a negotiated settlement and have decided on the outcome. If it was as clear as all that it wouldn't be disputed now would it? If Yesha was occupied palestinian land it would have been stated as such in res 242 to end the '67 war. A generation has been raised taking for granted that Yesha is "occupied" despite the real hard cold fact that there never was an arab country there. Yes there's a goal to establish a arab country on a part if not all of what is Israel, not to re-establish one. This "occupied palestine" never became a country after the '48 war, it belonged to Egypt and Jordan and there was no effort to create or form a country out of Yesha. Had the combined arab succeeded when they attacked Israel in '48 or '67 what would have happened to "occupied Israel"? Do you think a "Palestinian state" would have been created or would Egypt and Jordan have divided it up as they did with Yesha? Would they have given it back?

They said Israel won. Israel got it's ass kicked. Don't mess with Iran.

israel and israeli are represent an 5000 years old culture, that non of you muslim and non muslim can change, we represnt and living in a reality that non of the arabic contury live in which is to protect on our land and cultural heritage. it's a pity that art is mixed with some national or seminational feelings. artist from israel are one of the leading artists in recent years, so if a terror gruop is attacking israel why we should apologize of the error that this terror gruop is doing.

Idf hasn't acomplished any military goal expect killing lebanese children and women.Lebanon has become to israel as vietnam was to usa..the nightmare of lebanon will always follow the israelian army.Idf don't play with fire..IT IS LEBANON.יט יס לעבאנון יוו ידיוץ

People who still (self righteously) believe that the boycotts were responsible for "bringing South Africa to its knees" (when was SA ever on its knees??) are delusional. The change in SA came about when young Afrikaner intellectuals (many sons of the original apartheid gang) realized that apartheif was no way to run a country and that it was an evil system. This is what led to the release of Mandela (after many months of communication and negotiations) and the joint declaration of the end of apartheid. Credit must be given where it is due.

My question is, when all is said and done, do those Isaeli film makers answer the call to military duty when they are called? Do they merrily go around oppressing Palestinians in the West Bank and killing Lebanese children under the pretext that Hizbullah are hiding among them? (NOT!) That is the real question. Business as usual will not do any more.

Unobservant Lila says "Shame on you" to Israeli artists and non-artists, noting that "no one feels sorry for child killers". She is clearly wrong. Millions of Moslem and Christian supporters of Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad etc., support child killers - so long as the children are Jewish, in buses, markets, beaches, etc. in Israel. And they feel sorry for those same killers when Israel retaliates. Their condemnation of Israeli "targeted assassination" is loud. Any condemnation they make of the murderers of Jewish civilians is very, very faint indeed.

A boycott brought South Africa to its senses thanks to European and World opposition to Apartheid. Reading some of the comments on this page I see the "ugly face" of the Israeli Right. I am well aware the Islamist Right's crude Anti-Semitism. I did not think I would read the mirror equivalents of Anti-Arab racism from the Israeli Right. Well done you show that the nationalists Right in all countries are just as nasty as each other. I prefer engagement with Israeli intellectuals and artists, but you must realise that denying justice to the Palestinians and invading your neighbours wins little sympathy - I consider Israel a militarist state doing the US's bidding.

i am in deep consternation . the words of hatred of palestinians and there fans on this free democratic news paper . especialy coming from so called artists.... i am sorry guys but jews did not wait to go back to there home land to be part of "la creme de la creme" in practicly all possible fields, including art at its highest level. this petition is only showing in wich state of frustration and irresponsability the palestinians artistes are . put on the market any shit signed by a palestinian and they will loooooove it. grow up ! take your step. dare stand for yourself and not against us. the probleme is that with out us you might fall.

Freedom for the Kurds to speak Kurdish in Turkey. Why do Kurds kill Turks?? Do you know Kurds existed in parts of what is now Turkey while Turks were .. No need retell Turkish tribal history as you are Turkish and you know the rest I'm sure!

People were boycotting Israeli artists long before Lebanon - check the dance scene. There have been economic boycotts since 1931. People have tried to enforce academic boycotts LONG before Lebanon. And the occupation? People wake up. Israel is attacked every time she cedes territory and Jews in the Holy Land started being killed in earnest in 1920. Nasrallah's philosophy, nor Hamas', has what to do with "occupation". It has to do with "extermination". Maybe is isn't the Israelis who need to be boycotted.

If Lebanon wanted to get rid of the terrorists within they have just missed a perfect opportunity. They obviously either don't ant to or are much too frightened to. Either way, there is no reason for Israel to suffer the consequences.

You mean the one you began in 1492?

"Palestinian artists" is a contradiction in terms - just like "European civilization."

Your focus is a bit off. Yes you have a point, but don't you think maybe they've had enough? What's one movie in the face of so much suffering? The Palestinians are thinking beyond their own individual interests. This is the same Europe - or the West - to which Israelis believe that they belong to. Why? Because that where your ruling eschelon is from, you look down on non-European Jewry, and don't accept that Arabs have been living in the area long before you were purportedly there last. If you think they don't see straight - hey! Straighten out your glasses and help deluded Isrealis and Jews see straight. Israel is a danger to the entire world, killing without any valuable (to anyone) result. You want peace? Share what you think God gave you, follow international law. Until that happens, you will never be free of Hezbullah and Hamas and the likes. And NYC and other places in the west will remain dangerous for everybody, not just Jews. Stop being selfish.

Most Israeli films, including ironically the ones made by the Arab israeli petitioners, are supported by public funds,which get government endowments.As you can see in movies coming out of Israel those funds don't interfere with freedom of expression. Besides, that was NOT the criteria, and the criteria where never made public. As for hypocrisy, have you heard about the 'great' iranian directior Makhmalbaf? The guy is a film celeberity,idolized by 'artistic' film consumers and academics. Does anyone seem to care that His early work was made for the Arts Bureau of the Organization for the Propagation of Islamic Thought, which he helped found, and reflected his fundamentalist world view? Not really,huh? You don't mind that many of his movies are deeply rooted in fundamental islamism either.Why would you? he comes from this misunderstood,poor,peace-loving country. And that is the thing-you don't even know what Isreli films have to say. Instead it is politics you are thinking about.

Hello everybody out there, there is no use in boycotting artists from any country. Exception: Somebody is only the puppet (marionette) of a criminal state, only making propaganda. I don't think that the israeli film makers are made out of this stone. Some of them are supported by the state with money, but this doesn't mean, that they are not free in showing what they want. Promotion of the national film industry is a normal thing. In Europe and elsewhere. But the state has no influence on the film content. In my opinion, there is no country in the mid-east where You can find more freedom of press as in Israel. If You are honest: You can't find this in most arabic state. Conclusion 1: No boycott. Rather, let's bring together artists from Israel, Palestine and Lebanon. Theres no other way but meeting and talking. Conclusion 2: Stop saying: The Europeans, the israelis, the arabs. There are millions of people, they are all different.

The article is misleading. The boycott is NOT against Israeli films/culture. It ONLY concerns films supported by/linked to the Israeli foreign ministry or other official institutions. Films supported by the Iranian/Chinese authorities shouls be similarly boycotted.

Karen Walling has it right!

Hello everybody out there, there is no use in boycotting artists from any country. Exception: Somebody is only the puppet (marionette) of a criminal state, only making propaganda. I don't think that the israeli film makers are made out of this stone. Some of them are supported by the state with money, but this doesn't mean, that they are not free in showing what they want. Promotion of the national film industry is a normal thing. In Europe and elsewhere. But the state has no influence on the film content. In my opinion, there is no country in the mid-east where You can find more freedom of press as in Israel. If You are honest: You can't find this in most arabic state. Conclusion 1: No boycott. Rather, let's bring together artists from Israel, Palestine and Lebanon. Theres no other way but meeting and talking. Conclusion 2: Stop saying: The Europeans, the israelis, the arabs. There are millions of people, they are all different.

WHat you wish is to reduce art to serie of selection choices by venerable curators. you wish to turn it into 2 dimensional posters and statements, cheaply pimped by self-proclaimed judges of truth and justice. Any 'artist' who supports the idiotic idea of a cultural/artistic boycot is nothing but a skilled technocrat. You have nothing to add to anything, and it comes down to waste of art supplies,film stock, and DV tapes.

Tulip, You only keep saying that you have seen me posting on other forums and blogs, but still you have not shown any real evidence, like the names or addresses of those blogs. Also you keep saying that you are ashamed of being a fellow Netherlander, and that I would be a disgust to our country. I think you are nothing but a self-hating Netherlander. I love my country, even though it has people like you.

Does he feels "humilleted" because he did no won an Oscar? Why doesn't he want to ban american films? because deep inside he dreams to become a hollywood star.

Just another example of selling out for oil and money. Let's hear more about boycotting countries that support Arab terrorist groups.

No real artist/intellectual could possibly support ANY cultural boycot (including from previous S.Africa).Politicizing and stifling art/culture is an anthithesis for their right to exist.The way to grow is to be exposed and experience.Why not watching iranian government films?You, the supporters, are the real vexation to the spirit of art and peace.You consume information from few,preselected number of sources,predisposed and bent on certain views without trying to look closer.It is called ignorance and lack of intellectual integrity. You are no different than what you are trying to condemn-you churn uneducated and unchallenged mantras.That is the face of art today-endless,simplistic cliches in different shapes and forms.If you really wanted to promote pragmatic,real peace the message should be one of healing embrace, of warmth that breaks down the very foundations of hate-fear and miscommunication.

"There are no Israeli Jews in Palestian prisons without trial. Palestinian military doesn`t kick Israeli women in roadblocks." No, they kill them.

Are you condemning, unequivocally, Arab terrorism or you are boycotted: and this should apply to Israeli MP's, Norwegian authors etc.

You might as well ask the Euros to boycott oil. Look, the boycott tool works one way. Boycott Israel. Boycott her films, her products, her people, the state itself. But Arabs? Please. They could all grow mustaches, cut their hair like Hitler and wear nazi armbands and it wouldn't work. You want proof? Ok, try it out on representatives of Khartoum. After all here is an instance of more or less agreed upon genocide. Of Muslims on Muslims. See if you can convince anyone anywhere to boycott Sudanese anything. Wake up and smell the coffee. The world had moved slightly to the left for a few minutes following the Holocaust. They have now re-adjusted. We are now back to the norm and as Israel is central to Jews, consider Israel the prime target. No one really cares about palestinians, especially other Arabs who know them too well, but they are an excellent tool in the life long struggle to extend the world's oldest hate into the 21st century..

Hello Andre, These attacks that you mention were individual attacks and didn't have anything to do with the Turkish culture and people. I can assure you that all of the Turkish people have condemned those attacks. No Turkish citizen approved these attacks. And no church in Turkey feels now in danger, because they know that they are safe in here. I really don't know any handicaps the churches in Turkey are facing. They have all the rights and freedom here. I agree with you about the fact that there are some problems with freedom of speech. And this is something which I'm totally against. But believe me, this is not as serious as you think it is. But think of France or Switzerland where there isn't also freedom of speech. An example? It is forbidden to say that there was no Armenian Genocide. Although I was born and lived for 9 years in Switzerland and love Switzerland, I do believe that this doesn't comply with the freedom of speech as well.

It is a well and known fact among artists that Art doesn't have any fontiers. Fortunately, by watching what happened in the History of Art, one can see, that Art has the magic power of bringing people coming from different backgrounds and cultures, together not the opposite. I agree with Catman when he says that Art has nothing to do with politics. Using Art for the sake of excluding another group of people, is doing propaganda, like the nazis did. It is so painful in all of those forums, to see how some of the writers sticks automatically to their own moto of hatred of another group, insulting them, and so on (and the obvious paranoia that emerges from the writing of some people). The decision of the directors of this festival, is intrinsically against the basic of Art, and against the liberty of expression.

I'm not defending Ahmadinejad for what he says and believes. The holocaust is a fact. A fact is proven with evidents. But there are no evidents regarding the so called "Armenian Genocide". That's why, a commission is needed in this case. You know what, I also stand for Armenians and by them as well. Another fact that you don't know is that there are many Armenians living in Turkey. And I have many Armenian friends here in Istanbul. We have no problem at all. I would totally be against to anything that would harm them. So, please come with more serious stuff the next time.

Europe is behaving pitifully in banning Israeli films. How can we hope for meaningful communications when diverse viewpoints are suppressed because they are not politically chic and "correct? -- or when they merely symbolize political and military actions that may be completely unrelated to the work of the artist? I'm also sure that the boycotters in Ireland, Scotland, etc. prefer "diplomatic" solutions to conflict. How do they think such solutions come about when cultures are isolated and suppressed? I find myself agreeing with Mike from NY. "I say that we the Jews should embrace the Palestinian artists. Show the world we are better" ... or, are at least that we are INTERESTED in what they have to say. Another caveat: Art is not ranting! These Talkbacks often rant. True art has higher aims and responsibilities.

Dear Francois, I have visited your country and it is indeed beautiful. But I would not go so far as to say that the seeds of anti-semitism are not present. You said: "public expression of racism or antisemitism can earn you 3 years in jail." Does this include anti-semitism by the organizers of film festivals? - Mike

with oil i have no choice. however, with the eception of trkey, i personally boycott all arab/muslem products regardless. i also boycott products fom companis that support arabs. every jew should consider the same. the arabs and their supporters need to learn that boycott is a double edges sword

The author proposes a retaliatory boycott of Palestinian films. Such a boycott is already partially in place: see what happens when there is an attempt to nominate a Palestinian film for an academy award. So you needn't fret about the ethical implications of taking such a step; you've already taken it.

Wow, an American who can parrot Israeli talking points of people being used as human shields. Without providing any proof as well. You, sir, are certainly American. Display your ignorance and oversimplification of Middle East politics proudly!!

Hello Mehmet, I'm sorry, but Karen is saying the truth in relation to christian churchs. There were some attacks on christians and their churches in the last months. The christians have not the official status of a church in turkey. This is a fact. They are viewed as a non religious organisation with all handicaps resulting. Don't feel attacked by this statement. This says nothing about the 'culture' in Turkey. It's a great country, but You have to admit, that there are problems in the field 'Freedom of press and speech' (see genocide in WWI, Kurds,...)

You write: "the Turkish government is calling to Armenia and the UN to set up a commission consisting of Historians and Scientists in order to reveal the truth of the accusation. And do you know what? The Armenians don`t want such a commission. We open all of our sources and libraries for research. But what do the Armenians do? Nothing" Iranean PM A..jad pretended that there was no Holacaust, and he also wanted to send COMMISSION to POLAND. Polish President rejected that suggestion with INDIGNATION. I am not Armenian, but I stand for them and by them. If I were Armenian, I would reject your COMMISSION with indignation.

Yes throughout these message boards, in demonstrations throughout the US supporting Israel's actions, at rallies against pro-peace demonstrations, throughout the ISraeli media... But of course the IDF claims it does not target civilians, and issues empty apologies blaming Hizbullah for the missile that destroys a milk factory or ambulances.

Dear Spud, Please don't accuse people so easily. To say "The Lebanese were too weak to uphold the UN decisions and now you`re all crying victims. Hypocrites." is low. Does this mean that everybody who has suffered únder someone else's actions deserves this? What about the people in Rwanda in 1994, in Bosnia in 1992, in Armenia in 1915 and yes, the Jews in WW II?? Did they "deserve" their fate because they were "too weak" to resist?? Sometimes the world can be very harsh and very complicated. Sometimes people don't have the means to resist. Respect those people.

Luis Games writes: "...IN SPAIN WE ARE BEGINNING A JEWISH BOICOTT..." IN SPAIN you STARTED A JEWISH BOICOTT in year 1492, and what happened?

No work of art should be dismissed from a film festival due to the outrageous actions of their government.

The Israeli government should hold an international film festival and announce that in response to European bans of Israeli directors it cordially invites ANY Palestinian and Lebanese directors to participate, all expenses paid. They should further say that, unlike our European counterparts, we will not politicize art and segragate based upon an artists skin-color, nationality, or religion.

"Try opening a Church in Turkey and see what happens." What you write really makes you look funny. Sorry to say that. I'll give you only one link which includes a list of churches in Istanbul, from which among there are Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Armenian churches. I really would love to invite you to come to Turkey and be my guest. That way, you'll see what is Turkey. Believe me, you will be shocked! But please, without really knowing some facts, don't blame. When you come, I can even show you gay and lesbian clubs, cafes. You really know nothing about my culture. How can you accuse my culture as violent? We have seen what "your culture" has shown us. Please be more realistic. Nobody believes your presidents lies. All the people who visit Turkey see what's really up to here. Come and see, and believe with your own eyes please.

The problem with alot of European (and Palestinian) anti-Semetism is that they blame all Jews for the actions of a few in the Israeli government. That is horrible and deplorable. The author of this article is just as bad. Why blame all Palestinians for the actions of a few? Why is that not equally racist and deplorable? For a culture that has been fighting hatred for so long, we the Jews should know better. I say that we the Jews should embrace the Palestinian artists. Show the world we are better.

Of course, this kind of boycott is so unbelievably stupid and moronic. It could only be advocated by people who are A) extremely ignorant or B) carrying a hostile agenda. Israeli art contains within it some of the most pertinant and accurate criticism of the problems in Israeli society. They strike at the very core of the psychological, moral and sociological problems of Israel and its occupation of the Palestinians. The article makes this clear. This boycott denies the world access to the deliciously incisive work of many Israeli Jews, Israeli Arabs and Palestinians working with them. Shame on this boycott and all who support it.

While as a film-maker I am opposed to censorship;Turkeys unrepentent and unaknowledged genocide of 1.5 million Christians during WWI should be enough to ban it from the festival (and the EU).The fact that Europe would kow-tow to the demands of radical Muslims who's stated goal is the destruction of Europe is another example of its pending demise. The hypocrisy of groups like "gay and lesbian" organizations who support this is simply suicidal. I don't see them marching for their rights in Gaza, Egypt, Iran etc. because it would not be allowed or tolerated. Try opening a Church in Turkey and see what happens. Stop "lecturing" and blaming the West with your propoganda and focus on the faults of your own intolerant and violent cultures. Nobody believes you...anymore.

IT'S A GOOD IDEA? IN SPAIN WE ARE BEGINNING A JEWISH BOICOTT.

And these 'academics' will be supplementing the Lebenses army!!! Heaven help us all.

"No, I say that artisit who support ethnic cleansing, who support war crimes, who support racism and ethnic suprimacy of the Jews, should not be welcome. " Ok, but somehow, u support terrorist murderers?

VS - nothing wrong with Daniel's spelling.. this is called abreviation - get over it To Daniel - Well said

who is going to bycott palestinian artists? the israelis and americans? you and your patron, are out of sync with the rest of the world

"What about the innocent Armenians killed by TURKS? (not hundreds , not 1000s, but hundreds of 1000s! - and no compassion???)" It is so sad to see people like you, people who just talk with stuff they hear from around. Do you ever know that the Turkish government is calling to Armenia and the UN to set up a commission consisting of Historians and Scientists in order to reveal the truth of the accusation. And do you know what? The Armenians don't want such a commission. We open all of our sources and libraries for research. But what do the Armenians do? Nothing! Please, first read and learn by your own, and then blame other people and nations. AND I never defend any art of killing! In case my ancestors had killed innocent people, I would be against what they had done. So, is this your only thought about what happens right now in Middle East?

I have seen Peter Vos post more and Dutch blogs, but that does not matter, the face he shows here is purely antisemitic. I would advise you to stay away from him too. He is a disgust to Holland, and I say this when I am thinking of Beatrix who apologized to the knesset for the Dutch during WW II. De Vos has made statements here before as well about WW II, the Jews in general and Israel in particular which are very antisemitic.

The war between Lebanon and Israel only proves again the Muslims dont care who they kill as long as they kill. They hasd weapons among the population. What it did produce is a running team for Lebanon in the olymics.THe men ran so fast they left their families behind to become Human Shields.Did the men get paid for this? Pal parents danced in the street when their child killed Jews and got killed. They received pay check. You are saying (ISRAEL) JEWS reached a new low.

And your retort is typical of someone who has nothing useful to contribute to the discussion.

please check your spelling before complaining... you should be able to correct yourself by now, since you people use the same words day in and day out...

The Islamic population of France is around 4%, not 40%. I find it ironic you accuse Europeans of anti-Semitism while at the same time spoouting anti-European lies.

If you lebanese decided that we are so predictable, how come your private neforcer army , hezbollah did not predict the Israeli response which started on June 12. Hopefully you learned a harsh lesson. next time think 10 times before you allow the Hezbollah "heros" to trow to raise a hand against the Jewish state. Remember, Olmert was a believer in withdrawla and Peretz was of the Peace Now movement. the next time around you will face a new PM from Likud and a new defence Minister (Probably Moshe Ya'alon. The comming response will be decisive. Don't gamble with Lebanon's future as a state. Right now you are a joke of 17 different religions and ethnic groups. You amy became a part of Syria for good in exchange for a peace treaty between Israel and Syria.

What about the innocent Armenians killed by TURKS? (not hundreds , not 1000s, but hundreds of 1000s! - and no compassion???)

Just because France Is not on your side then France would be a terrorist State Uhhh So Typical Israeli,so ironic. You are very self complicated that's y u can't live in peace with other religions .all u want to kill and kill and kill ,that's what Brings A terrorist organization like Qaeeda etc...Cz they feel all alone ,no 1 hepls them ,that's y they have no other way but killing :Eye 4 an eye .when ur goin to understand that ??Just don't take ur time cz every sec goes 1000 of Ben Laden shows up in other countries.

"Boycotts only hurt boycotters" - well, not only, they hurt the boycotted too. But you are right that we should not deprive ourselves of the rare possibilities we get to glimpse the worldview of the peoples amongst whom we live. Having said that, this article should be sent to the festivals that boycotted Israeli works. The outside world does not always act in malice. It often simply does not understand what is going on here. Since we often don't either this is hardly surprising.

Dear Tony, Thanks for your response. I believe that all the wars so far has shown us that it doesn't do any good for the people. The wars only serve the politicans in some dirty ways. I really do wish that people full of love will some day in the future gain the power to stop all hatred and wars. I hope that you'll come to Turkey again, and if you'd like to I may guide you in Istanbul as well. Peace on earth..

....will not help anyone (and hasn't changed anything over the last 20 years). Until the Israeli left is prepared to do a little bit more than just nice talking (by the way, where is the Israeli left ??), they will be part of the system and therefore rightly been put in the same pot....

With all scorn to Hany Abu-Assad, who called for boycott of Israeli artists, I don't think, he should be boycotted. Boycotts only hurt boycotters. We should know and learn the art of our enemies, because it represents their worldview and when we know their worldview and know whom we are facing, we'll have more means to win in this struggle.

Ernst, how many more of your politicians will they need to kill before your leftclouded eyes open? Scotty. you Scots were the footmen of english imperialism? Return all Scottish settles from Ulster now.

When I was growing up there was the sports boycott between the US and Russia. Eventually the argument that politics should not be involved in sport won the day. I think the same argument should be applied to art and all forms of artistic expression and cultural events. I don't want a politician deciding for me what is culturally acceptable, I think the populations of democratic countries have the ability to do that for themselves. However culture has to be defined. E.g. Mein Kampf can't be regarded as culture, just hatred. So unfortunately there have to be limits. I'd imagine those limits have to be incitement to criminal activity, whether it be hatred or violence etc. So I'd suggest that the boycott as proposed is just as insidious and unwelcome as the one currently being experienced by Israeli artists. So no, don't stoop to their level. Israel is far bigger and better than that. The French however are not, and unfortunately the loony left has control of Scotland.

"Europe that does not know the diffrence between critics on Israel and antisemitism" - Tulip Judging from this forum, the Europeans damn well know the difference. Rather it is the Israelis, Jews, and Americans who in majority don't know, or act as if they don't know. BTW: Some days ago you accused Peter Vos of being anti-semite, and all over the net. Out of curiosity, I googled for it. Couldn't find a thing - only a painter and a book illustrator.

Dear Tony Price of new Zealand, Dear Dino of Switzerland, Nice to see you two critics of Israel have either no shame or no knowledge. New Zealand is a country stolen from the Maoris (who sill are 2d class citizens today)Switzerland propsers by hiding the stolen money of Nazis African Dictators thieving Petrosheiks and Mafia bosses. so before precahing to us get your own home sorted. PS baby killers is what some Maoris still call white New zealanders)

i forgot to metion the palestinian part in the article, so the israelis are very interested in the palestinian culture now! and they r defending them! that's pathetic as well! you are killing hundreds of palestinians every day, destroying their homes and killing the innocence but when it comes to Culture you are very sorry for them and defending them against the boycott! aren't you ashamed of yourselves?

That proves that you not only know nothing about Israel, but also nothing about its culture nad art. Little more needs to be said except that you need to get your head out of the sand, open your eyes and look in the direction of enlightenment.

Typical israeli action and reaction! don't you get bored of playing the role of victims over and over! my God! you are pitifyl!

The author is wrong to assume that Palestinians will be stupid in the way they call for the boycott - the efforts of Israeli producers and film-makers is honoured and recognised in works by Suleiman, Abu-Assad and Khleifi. It is possible to boycott Israeli products and services without damaging Palestinian voices. I support the boycott - and salute those Israelis who recognise the importance of a non-violent protest against the barbarism of military occupation and the lynch-law of the settler movement. As for Israelis boycotting Palestinians - doesn't Israel do this already? If the majority of Jewish-Israelis listened to Palestinians, they might start addressing Palestinian-Israelis by the title they choose, rather than Israel's preferred name Arab-Israelis. Calling anyone by a name they reject is the same kind of racism used by those who go around chanting 'nigger' and 'kike'.

Dont abuse poor Brecht. You sound quite ridiculous. By the way Brecht said that people of minor intelligence - probably meaning persons like you - are blessed because they will be good bureaucrats, self-righteous and content. This is exactly the mentality I see in your statements

Israeli leftists are learning a bitter truth. Jews are Jews. They will be boycotted by their European "friends" and world citizens for being Jews, and they will be boycotted by centrist and right wing Israelis because they have nothing of value to contribute. They remind be of the Jews who idolized Richard Wagner in the 19th century, althoug Wagner had nothing but contempt for the Jews

Chanah, look, just like in Europe before modernization, the concept of nationality and nations are very vague in the Arab world. The narrative in Israel/Middle East has created this "us vs. them" mentality. But in reality Arabs don't really cooperate. This is the same story as during the crusades. For the population, though, Islam, and not being Arab is a rallying cry. Israel is doing its best to arouse that. Note: most other Arabs didn't help Palestinians. They use them, that's all. Pal.-s are indeed oppressed, refugees in their own land. It's hard to blame them for resenting the occupation.

its true that boycotts can be a clumbsy tool to weild against a plauralistic country in which there are elements of dissent against the mainstream (and government) agenda of repression and that by having boycotts progressive voices may be silenced. progressive voices in israel should be supported, however they can be supported at the same time as instituting boycotts on israeli products (cultural or otherwise) and on israeli academic institutions. israeli's have a responsibility to reflect on the actions of their state and the role of institutions (academic, cultural etc.) in maintaining the unacceptable status quo and their role in challenging this. the true audience of progressive israelis are the israel public whose fear and indoctrination by the israeli state must be addressed, not french film festivals. progressive voices in israel support a boycott, much as they did in south africa

so many generalisations...you never learned that every individual is different and guilt is also an exclusively individual issue. Anyway, between your simplistic primitive statements and a poem by Mahmoud Darwish there is such a huge gap I wonder whether you have any culture in common.

3 farmers killed by the IDF today. They would happily been banned instead of killed.

How arogant and bllind are you? What do you know about Israel and Israeli artists. Have you ever saw an Israeli movie or talked to someone from Israel? Did you know that most of the Israeli artists belong to the left wing and opossing the occupation despite constant terror attacks and claims from the other side that Israel should be wiped out from the earth. Don't except from Israelies to show solidarity with palestinians who call for destruction of our country but there is solidarity and always was with the people who are for cooexistance and against war. Meanwhile I just can see that hate speach of some Palestinians in the eyes of some of you is Art while Israeli artists in the same eyes are seen as occupators and predators.

As a progressive American-Jew I fully support any steps that pressures Israel to end its illegal, immoral and contemptable occupation of Palestine. I support divestment from American companies that invest in Israel. I personally will never buy an Israeli product as long as the occupation of Palestine and now Lebanon continues. I support the complete end of foreign aid to Israel. IT is time for Israel to be stopped before they commit more crimes against humanity. This is for Israel's good as much as for the good of Israel's long suffering neighbors.

for the most part.

They do insist however on attacking Israel in a suspiciously repetitious way, lose lands as a result, refuse land for peace deals, reject offers of independence, respond by attacking Israeli civilians and generally trying to make us out as aggressors etc while carrying on with their stupid attacks.And then they run to the press and the UN and whine about oppression/aggression/human rights etc. Wonderful.

I do not agree in censor the censor. We MUST fill all the places we can we our voice. Banning people, especially europeans would not make us any favour. These festivals are very small ones and we must fight against the ban, not exclude ourselves from all the tribunes.

Of course at first it looks expremely stupid to boycott the Israeli film makers, most of whom can be put on the far left side of the Israeli political spectrum, supporting exactly the same things as the European festival organisera and the Palestinian film makers. On the other hand: how has Israeli film and documentary making contributed to the fight against the oppression of Palestine? Have they ever explicitly united in a common voice, have they ever called CNN and Herald Tribune, to voice their anger over the Israeli occupation crimes? Or have they kept their `protest` mainly to difficult, elegantly produced art-house films, that are shown only for small audiences in the European and US art-house cinemas? More in general: Where are the courageous actions of the Israeli left? Can they suffice with the beautiful art direction and strong filosophical questions? Maybe it is time they call out a bit louder, make their voices heared better in Israel proper!

paradise now was coproduced by an israelí. so censorship is the only thing they can give to the cultural arena? shame on them.

http://www.counterpunch.org/tilley08052006.html It's simple Pinto. Israelis need to wake up. I know it hurts. You'll get over it.

My wife and I have visited Turkey, including the place where we fought you guys 80 years ago, with huge loss of life on both sides. We read Attaturk's words about " your sons are our sons now-" and I think Israel could learn a great deal from the Turkish attitude towards old enemies, It seems strange in a way to tell somebody that you come from a country that was at war with theirs, and they treat you like an old friend in some places. Of course, it was the turning point for Turkey, as Kamal Mustapha Pasha gained the power he needed to turn the country into a republic. We'ld like to go back some day, but in the meantime Mehmet, may your country enjoy peace. And let's not forget the breaches of human rights of developed countries including Israel.Peace to them too, one day when they get an enlightened leader.

"Why do many Israelis have a double passport?" Since when is it criminal to hold two passports? Since when is this an indication of disloyalty or insecurity. Rather is is an expression of affiliation. Why can't a person love two countries? This is so much spewing the propaganda you are taught. How many lebanese with 2 passports were shipped out of Lebanon at the start of this war? Does that make them disloyal? Insecure? Criminal? Becasue they know there is something seriously wrong with Lebanon (Nasrallah, perhaps??) "Even the war minister." - What other passpot does out defense minister Peretz have? All your polls (new and old) show the desire to destroy Israel and its people, wiping them off the face of the earth. The Iranian idiot said it, Nasrallah said it, Hamas said it. The entire Moslem community and all Arab countries are not prepared to share a tiny inch of the ME with Jews, but all expect Israel to share its tiny strip of land with hostile Moslem Arabs. Go figure!

developed a murderous, racist and destructive culture in Israel. A culture that is based on spin, hasbara, lies, and the concept that "we are Jews, and therefore our lives are worth more," is a criminal culture. Don't accuse me of anti-semitims. I love the positive aspects of Jewish culture..but you have shown yourselves lately as very very very bad. I won't give you the benefit of the doubt. The blood of 1200 innocent Lebanese is on your hand. Your behavior is shameful and disgraceful.

When will you respond to what is written in the article instead of just spouting the same old cliches? The point is that Europeans and Palestinians fail to distinguish between Israelis, Israeli Palestinians, those sympathetic to their cause, or those who take risks for freedom of Palestinian expression. The inability or failure to make such distinctions impoverishes your cause and your art.

Israel has squashed the human rights of Palestinians for 50 years, and has done the same to the Lebanese in recent weeks. Kidnapping and imprisonment without trial, executions without trial - a case of the beam and the mote, methinks.

it is so injust, revolution, sabotage, its really so disgusting how EUROPEAN act toward Israël.

BY canceling the showing of Israeli films in European festivals the ugly face of anti-semitism is showing again. Ironically, for the most part most Israeli artists are Doves! This isn't about israel, this is about an anti-semetic act, against artists.

"Does the call for a ban mean that "Paradise Now" should not be screened just because one of its producers, Amir Harel, is Israeli?" The author misses the boycott definition he quotes himself: the films the making of was funded by Israel government. Before G.Pinto puts "Paradise Now" into his Hasbara pocket, he should go and check whether State contributed to this film. European Union by its very definition has various points of view on everything. Their common denominator is the opposition to the collective punishment strategy in indiscriminate killing of civilian Lebanese (ineffective by Israel-defined goals too), and if G.Pinto can call it a "typical Europe's attitude toward Israeli culture", then G.Pinto should confess it to his shrink rather than to Haaretz. For years Israeli film festivals enjoy wide success in France, and the participation of Israelis was planned in the Lussas too. Collective principle of boycott is unjust? Perhaps for G.P. the collective punishment is just

Boycot the UK sponsored movies, because of the hell that they created in Iraq,and the more than 50000 civilians victims.

An art that reflects a culture of occupation, degradation and oppression, is not art. It is evil.

"And the Palestinian, Iranian, Syrian, Saudi and other Muslim artists are paragons of freedom and virtue? Tell that to their women." no, although Muslim countries in general are not run by Taliban-clones. They also (from what I understand) don't interfere with other countries, don't maintain an apartheid and aggressive military state while preaching about democracy, they don't dominate the news headlines. I know it sounds ultra left-wing, but if a country just tries to survive and leaves others alone, what they do at home is their business (unless they are extreme). Anyway, I didn't even say the boycott was fair. But people are free to boycott whatever they don't like. Tough. Life's not fair.

Jews have a beautiful culture in which they have given so much to humaity while the Arab, "Palestinians" don't exist, contribute nothing but terrorism and murder to the world.

Close the borders. Embargo all trade in and out of Gaza and the West Bank Pal cities. Let their gas, food, water run out. Let them sit and rot in the cesspool their Islamic hate-mongers created. When they are ready to get serious about peace, they will stop the terror, stop supporting the Islamic murderers, stop trying to destroy Israel.

The whole point of the article was saying, that they don't understand why boycotting Israeli artists that are supportive of the palestinian cause. That their work consists of movies favourishing dialogue, against the occupation. They are even banishing Palestinians artists just because the producer was Israeli. What does it mean? They are banning Israeli, what ever their cause is. Collective punishment. You know that concept right? You know like the collective punishment Israelis are imposing on the palestinians because of terror alerts. Does it give those festival organiser a good feeling? Like they were working towards peace without the need to think a bit? Like having putting a V on theirs todo list of good conscience?

A widespread boycott of everything Israeli might be the only thing that will force Israel into making a genuine peace with the Palestinians. Nothing else has worked.

I think what I wrote was misunderstood. I meant by saying that they must be given love, that those people need to learn what is love, they must be thought of what is love. No matter who this person or organization is. Anyone or any organization who kills innocents, must be punished. But this punishment souldn't include killing other innocents. Love and understanding must prevail..

"What if 68 percent of Muslims and Arabs would say that Zionism should be destroyed even if civilians are hurt? The media would get crazy" They do! But you just do not want to listen to it. It would create a doubt, right? Secondly there is a big difference, between wanting the annilihation of a country and a nation, and wanting to stop militants from kidnapping and killing soldiers, and sending missiles upon cities and killing civilians. Israelis have to do the hard choice between accepting to be a target, or to go after militants and accepting hurting civilians. But you, of course don t have to do those choices. NATO did bombard kosovo, killing a lot civilians. Were they at any time a target in those bombardment? The Alliance did bombard Dresden in WWII, killing 50000 civilians. For what purpose? Because of the ir moral superioty? Was anybody from the Belgium Governement been accused for their passivity for the more than 1000000 deads in Rwanda?

I am to the best of my ability boycotting israeli products. But boycotting israeli art and artists is just stupid. Culture exchange is in my opininion important for israel to understand why it should stop being and ocupying state. Boycott economy = yes Boycott culture = NO

"this article argues that Israel use Palestinians as hostages to ensure that Israel recieves favourable treatment" You are assuming that the average Israel knows right from wrong when it comes to dealing with non-jews. If they do know, they would not have cheered the cold-blooded murder of hundreds of women and children in Lebanon and Palestine as retribution for fall smaller infractions. But the lack of moral compass always drives zionists to commit crimes that they can rationalize with great ease.

With no guarantee of any disarmament of Hezbollah, qassams flying in from Gaza and an Europe that does not know the diffrence between critics on Israel and antisemitism, the war is only delayed, but not over.

"All the people who can justify killing innocents, especially children and women, must be given Love, what I think they haven`t felt for their lives and what they don`t know profoundly." Hizbullah justifies killing innocents, be they Israeli, Lebanese, or Palestinians who happened to get in the way of the missiles sent to kill innocent Israeli civilians. Sorry but I can't love them.

Basically, this article argues that Israel use Palestinians as hostages to ensure that Israel recieves favourable treatment. Somehow I don't think this approach will bring about the desired result...

And the Palestinian, Iranian, Syrian, Saudi and other Muslim artists are paragons of freedom and virtue? Tell that to their women.

I think the most pertinent point is the "inseparable bond between Israelis and Palestinians in the local film industry." I like the use of the words "inseparable" and "local". Now if it were extended to all areas of life and partition was tossed onto the scrap heap then we could really be talking about something. United you stand, divided you fall.

like the first israeli films - from the '50s come see the dancing goats; wow! goats can dance; but they don't dance very well

"What if 68 percent of Muslims and Arabs would say that Zionism should be destroyed even if civilians are hurt? " That's what they have been saying and continue to say, and not 68 percent, probably more like 99%. They want to push every last Israeli into the sea, this is their terminology. What planet are you living on?

Worse yet, what have they done about the ethnicaly cleansed? NOTHING!!! Israeli filmmakers with one or two exceptions stood idly by deminstrating grand intellectual dishonesty ignoring the most pernecious aspect of the founding of the jewish state on the rubbles of palestinian communities. The occupation is the eay symbol of israeli immorality, sustained by one democraticlly elected Israeli government after another. But the crime of ethnic cleansing is the greates israeli crime of them all, and all israelis do is blame the arabs. i drive by those camps weekly and peace or no peace, these camps will always stand as a testement to Israeli racism and violence.

Do all of you sit around and lament about how everyone is so against you and that everyone and everything that doesn't support you is antisemtic, anti-israeli or anti-something-or-other? Get over it, your country, the majority of the population have all lived this lie that you are doing the right thing. Its mostly the fault of America for protecting you so many times, perhaps if you had faced the music in the past as it should have been , then maybe your reality would be much clearer. As a result you are arrogant people who are brainwashed by your own fabrications and fairytales. Stop living off of sympathy and the coat-tails of America and act like a real country of the new age. You are not the Israelites of the bible who slew every man , woman and child of the Caananites and the world will not allow it. As the 5th worlds largest military power you are no longer David, you are Goliath. Your main export is tools and technology of War and death.

Terro groups (extreemists) Islamic,jewishchristians....and u can say they are brainwashed or whatever lable u give them...and you have STATE terror,in which Israel has proven to the World in the last 50 years,not just in the last 32 days,its such a state...prove it otherwise.

I'm sure that "Scotty" will agree that we should boycott films made in the UK until such time as the criminal British government ends its illegal occupation of Northern Ireland.

The well- known phenomenom of the Israeli left fawning before Palestinians, adopting their attacks on Israel, cultivating and promoting them in various Arts most prominently theatre and film results here in the same kick in the rear that Beilin and Co. received from Arafat after Oslo.

"No Israeli culture?this comment doesn`t really deserve an answer..." The good Aline is that Nazi germany and facsict italiy had a great culture and technology, both of which Israelis like to brag about and compare to the Arabs. Amazing how little we learn from history. both nazis and fascits are no longer. zionists need to end their supramicts ideology.

don't you think you have done enough to destroy their culture & identity...the war on Lebanon just stopped,and now u r thinking of destroying something....DO U SURVIVE ON DESTRUCTION & EVIL ACTS...?

"Europe welcomes with open arms films from countries where human rights are consistently trampled, like Turkey, Iran and China." I really wonder, Goel Pinto, what ever you know about turkish culture and history? Have you ever visited Turkey? Have you ever felt the beautiful Istanbul? Do you know how Turkish jews live in Turkey? How they are treated? Let me tell you! They live here with Love, Peace, and Respect. Something what Israel cannot even imagine. Have you ever judged something without any misintention? I doubt it.. All the people who can justify killing innocents, especially children and women, must be given Love, what I think they haven't felt for their lives and what they don't know profoundly.

this is stupid; the boycott of israeli gov't institutions that these festivals are observing has nothing to do with individuals. locarno, edinburgh, etc, all have showed and will show israeli films, but will not accept sponsorship by the criminal israeli state. so don't try to confuse the issue; it's quite clear in all the boycott statements, including the PACBI one which most palestinian filmmakers (including many with israeli citizenship) have signed. stop playing the pathetic victim and argue on the basis of what is really happening - in any case, your hyperbole is quite typical, and thankfully is only damaging the israeli case outside.

I don't know if it's useful to talk about who has more culture... If an artist community, most of which is antiwar and anti-occupation, is offended by the occupation, apartheid and colonial attitudes of Israel, it makes perfect sense. Given that our governments put absolutely no pressure on Israel for its behavior, what can they do? For one, they can express their opinion this way. It hurts some anti-occupation artists in Israel, that's really sad. On the other hand, every tax shekel in Israel supports the occupation... thank G-d I don't have an opinion on the subject.

Do you remember when the Arabs held the world to ransom in the seventies, after Egypt and Syria failed to defeat Israel in the October 1973 (Yom Kippur) war? Where were all the beautiful souls then? Were they protesting against the arab oil embargo? Did they protest against the Arabs attacking Israel on the most holy day to jews, or were you defending the 'rights' of the arabs to destroy the state of Israel? War is hell. I know it from first hand experience, and people always suffer. By saying that the arabs (Lebanese, Palestinians) suffer more than the Israelis you are displaying your ingnorance. Israel is fighting for the right of Jews to live under their own set of rules, protected by themselves only on a tiny piece of land they call Israel. Israel wants to live peacefully with ALL its arab neighbours, so boycotting the arts because they might have an Israeli connection is narrow minded and absurd. If anyone can help bring peace and enlighten the world, it is artists.

I agree, such a boycott sis unfair to Israeli film makers. Yet, you must consider the fact that the IDF's behaviour in Lebanon was unprofessional and sparkled deep disapprobation in Europe (it does not mean that Europeans approve of Hizbullah's behaviour, but Hizbullah does not take part in many film festivals here...). Now that the hostilities seem to have stopped, I bet that the boycotts will stop too. One piece of advice : do not boycott Palestinian artists. What good will it do?

Petteri, you are so far away, so misinformed and so full of hate. You probably did not know the the anual GNP of the Palestinians in the territories, before the intifada, was higher than those in Jordan, Egypt, and syria. Before the latest intifada, unemployment was pegged at less than 10% in the territories, lower than France. Since the intifada it has climbed to 29%. These figures come from both the UN and Palestinian Aurthority web sites. But they are both probably lying. Petteri, have you not noticed the celebrations amoungst the Moslems, across the world, when there is news of Israeli dead. Please tell me sir or miss, have you seen any such celebrating in Israel. Or maybe the Finnish press dressed up a drunken fisherman to dance with a caribou, subtitled "Israelis dance at news of destruction." Sorry buddy, but you do not understand us at all. We did not cheer on this war, yet we supported it.

Dear Eli, You should visit our beautiful country or at least read some books sometimes : France is not a Muslim state, we have 80% of Christians, 9% of Muslims and the biggest Jewish community in Europe with 600 000 French Jews living happily among the other 61 million French. We have strong anti-terrorist policies, and public expression of racism or antisemitism can earn you 3 years in jail... Have a good day!

"Europe welcomes with open arms films from countries where human rights are consistently trampled, like Turkey, Iran and China." What about the US? or Israel? Are they free of faults? How can you justify killing 1000 innocent people during your murder strikes against Lebanon? 1000 innocents, where one thirds are children below 12 years of age. Goel Pinto! What have you done so far for this children, mothers, innocents? Isreal's fatalities are 154 deads, 115 of them soldiers. What about the other side. Over thousand people were killed where not more than 10 % are Hezbollah militants. Is this art? Killing more innocents than militants? Probably yes for you, for those who think like you.. You draw with blood of children, you sing with their cries, you write with their lost souls.. Maybe this is the power of your art, the hatred you own and the blood of children. However, art must be pure, innocent, lovefull. I'm sure that "real" artists are so, no matter what religion or nation..

Shame on you for allowing such atrocities to take place in Lebanon. You have allowed murder, and genocide.... & you say that you are civilized and have a culture? You don't know what it means to be civilised when you allow such atrocities. Nobody feels bad for child killers

No Israeli culture?this comment doesn't really deserve an answer...Sending "shahidim"to blow themselves up,this IS culture?How low can one get?The whole world is put at ransom by your(the Islamists)"culture",using force when things do not go your way!I watched 2 Islamists on Skynews explaining why they do not condemn terrorists....frightening....what a warped mind...!

So here again is another example of the European bigots sucking up to the ever-increasing muslim lobby. Whilst they might think that in doing so they are showing solidarity with the victims of the ME conflict, they are simply backing the anti-Israel/ani-Zionist argument. Yes, prejudice and anti-semitism does exist and it is live and well in Europe, even in the arts. Why? For starters, the Arabs have oil, the Israelis don't. There are 323 million Muslims in the world and 14million jews. Over 50 Muslim states, and one Jewish state. So who is more likely to be a threat in the future to the west - Jews or Muslims? Easy really: pick on the smallest player. Except that after 2000 years of persecution, now the jews are fighting back and the persecutors don't like it! Shame on artists who bring politicss into the arts - they are not worthy of being enlightened.

No, I say that artisit who support ethnic cleansing, who support war crimes, who support racism and ethnic suprimacy of the Jews, should not be welcome.

Shame on anyone calling himself an artist in one hand but preaches hate in the other. Where have the beautiful souls gone? It is art and culture that puts humans above animals. Politics should be kept out of the arts. This hijacking of arts events by the islamic lobbies and do-gooders in the name of solidarity with the victims of the hostilities in Lebanon is an afront to human decency. Let the peacemakers make peace. Let art be art.

Petterri, you missed the point of the article. Congratulations.

Yes, stop talking with the enemies, wow, the direct way to the sea. It is sad and it is also sad to see so many hawks here writing from far away places like Seattle giving advices to the IDF etc. Brecht has died 50 years ago today and "a proll is a proll is a proll is a proll" Cristianity vs Judaism, maybe the Jews need some Luther as well. Eye for eye etc does not work

The Palestinians do not occupy areas in Israel. There are no Israeli Jews in Palestian prisons without trial. Israel has thousands of Palestinians as prisoners. Palestinian military doesn't kick Israeli women in roadblocks. Israelis do. The whole world should boycott Israel until she starts to behave and makes peace. Why do many Israelis have a double passport? Even the war minister. Because they know that there is something seriously wrong with Israel and they keep their escape route open. A new poll shows that 68 percent of Israelis are supporting destroying Hizbollah even if civilians are hurt (= killed). What if 68 percent of Muslims and Arabs would say that Zionism should be destroyed even if civilians are hurt? The media would get crazy.

What a great artist. So only artists who agree with your political opinions are artists? Who are you to decide?

Yeah, right. Don't give yourself any credit for the hatred. As if it's new! My family has had it's share for 2000 years. Your hizbullah hid behind the skirts of the Lebanese women and children. The Lebanese were too weak to uphold the UN decisions and now you're all crying victims. Hypocrites.

You should know about lows and hostage taking, that's your speciality. Hypocrites.

Here we go again, the Israeli artists are whining about the cruel, cruel Europeans who are boycotting their films. Yes I know, most of you are saying that they are symphatetic to the Palestinian cause, but when it comes to hard facts, what have you ever done against the occupation ? I have never heard of Israeli artists practising civilian disobedience (for example blocking the traffic roads in Tel Aviv). I am sorry, but as long as you are not prepared to show real solidarity with the Palestinians, better shut up and accept the consequences.....

sorry my angry friend, you sound like a con artist. But I do not expect different. You come from a farming culture. You are probably less than a generation off the land. I do not expect you to be aware of art in any shape or form. Palestine stopped making art 1500 years ago. Your music scene is abysmal. You have long been entertained by real artist in Egypt, Jordan, Iraq. But enjoy Israeli freedom of the press, something you will never enjoy in the Arab world. I am awaiting the day when a Palestinian artist, used his art only as a battering ram. Please just once let a Palestinian speak of peace, instead of the same moaning and droning list of lies and hate. Peace artist. Now go find some joy in whatever art you may happen to make. Are you a painter? a muscian? a sculptor? a word man? documentary film maker?

Joel: Most boycott campaigns do not impose a sweeping boycott, but rather allows the prticipation of Israeli on the basis of agreeing to the reasons behind the campaign. I assume that most of the artisits you have mentioned would strongly support Palestinian rights and an end for the occupation. This would have solved the problem. Only artists who stick to the racist plicies of the Israeli state and acts as its apologists would be boycotted, and rightly so.

targeted killings. Israel's is a culture of arrogance, self-absorbedness, terror, lies and hill-top youths murdering Palestinian children on their way to school in the name of Talmudic salvation. Israel's is a culture of lies, spin and hasbara, a cluture without soul, without love, and without humanity. We, Palestinians, who have been enduring this evil culture for decades, don't want to have anything to do with Israeli art and culture. Well, Is there an Israeli art? How can evil morph into art? I don't believe it.

The conflict with Israel is no longer about occupation and territory, it's a conflict with a supremacist entity that has reached a new moral low. The civilian death toll in Palestina and Lebanon and the ease by which you and your apologists ratioanalize it makes Al-Qaeda flush with envy. Fact is, and you may not realize this, you have set yourselvs back 50 years with the Lebanon massacre. YOu are the most reviled nation on earth today, by your actions, which in a perverse sort of way may reinforce persistent steryotypes. After all, a nation that can kill hundreds of children and women for political end then rationalize their slaughter..well...this needs no description.

Yes, the time has come to boycott Palestinian artists. Moreover, it's overdue to present to Israeli society the anti-Israel sentiment that pervades now, and for the part 15 years ("Oslo" included), all Palestinian government and non-government institutions, and drives them to promulgate boycotts of Israelis abroad.

"Perhaps the time has come for Israeli cultural institutions and filmmakers to call for a boycott of Palestinian artists and their films?" How perverse for your to play victim to the people you have for so long brutalized and to cry foul when people of conscience stand by them. May be you should assasinate Palestinian filmmakers in the same way you asasinate Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank. How about taking a few Palestinian filmmakers hostage untill their colleagues drop their demand for Israeli boycott. the latest Lebanon war signals a new moral low for Israel and Israelis.

So what else is new...France is a moslem state with 40% of the pop following that religion and an incubator for terrorists...France has harbored islamic militants from the iatolla komanie to the shoe bomber...yes boycott them, alot of good that will do...Eli

This is getting desparate. It is a sign of weakness for Israelis to make comments such as this

Not surprised. Typical of Europe. Such hypocrites! Europe and Palestinians are of course so very even-handed. What a shining example they set for us. Not.