'Israel Fiddles While Palestine Burns': BDS Activists Protest Israeli Philharmonic in N.Y.C.
Adalah-NY, a group that campaigns for the BDS movement, organized the rally, calling on social media to protest 'Israel art washing,' saying 'Apartheid is out of tune!'
NEW YORK – Dozens of supporters of the movement calling to boycott Israel gathered in New York on Sunday in protest an Israel Philharmonic Orchestra concert at the city's prestigious Carnegie Hall.
Protesters distributed flyers with the message “Don’t harmonize with apartheid: While Palestinians hunger for freedom, New York’s elite feasts in support of Israel’s oppressive policies,” referring to the festive pre-show brunch organized for the occasion.
Protesters signs’ included one saying “Israel fiddles while Palestine burns,” while another called for “Justice presto not lento.”
Adalah-NY, a group that campaigns for the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, organized the rally. On social media it called to protest “Israel art washing," saying "Apartheid is out of tune!"
That’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who came out today to protest Israeli art washing! Boycott the Israel’s Philharmonic Orchestra! #BDS pic.twitter.com/eEYBUD9abf
— Adalah-NY (@AdalahNY) February 3, 2019
.#AdalahNY joined by Columbia SJP & Rude Mechanical Orchestra protesting festively at the Israel Philharmonic's brunch/show at Carnegie Hall today, with free Palestinian brunch while apartheid well-wishers dish out $1,000/plate for the regime that "puts Gazans on a diet." #BDS pic.twitter.com/rt2GVOAGg8
— Dave Lippman (@davelippman) February 3, 2019
Israel's consul general in New York, Dani Dayan, who was attending the sold-out concert, told Haaretz, “As usual, there are people who are trying to disturb [Israeli events], but nothing will stop Israeli culture in New York: No protest and no boycotts.
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“I am proud that the Philharmonic Orchestra is in the United States,” he said. “Israeli culture is in demand throughout the world and brings much pride to Israel.”
Over 100 members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra are in the United States as part of a weeklong tour that began on Saturday. After two shows in New York, it will be performing in multiple Florida locations as well as in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Adalah-NY held a similar protest in New York last July, when some 50 BDS activists demonstrated against the performance by Batsheva Dance Company at the Joyce Theater.