Barbara Butch Concert Interrupted: Attacking a Jewish DJ Won't Free Palestine, Say Signatories

A concert by DJ Barbara Butch was abruptly halted, sparking a debate about the intersection of activism and personal identity. The interruption was reportedly fueled by accusations targeting the DJ due to her Jewish identity and unsubstantiated claims. This incident has drawn strong reactions from the artistic and academic communities.

In response, Jonas Pardo, an anti-racist researcher, co-signed a statement with over 300 artists and academics, including prominent figures like Eva Illouz, Tal Bruttmann, Patrick Boucheron, Vincent Lemire, Alain Chabat, Géraldine Nakache, and the Dardenne brothers. The statement condemns the aggression against Barbara Butch, emphasizing that the legitimate fight for Palestinian rights cannot justify baseless accusations targeting individuals based on their identity or beliefs.

The signatories assert that attacking a DJ because she is Jewish does not advance the cause of Palestinian liberation. They argue that such actions are counterproductive and misdirected, diverting attention from the core issues. The statement underscores the importance of maintaining solidarity and focusing on constructive means to support the Palestinian people, without resorting to antisemitic tropes or personal attacks.