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🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Israeli artists face growing global boycott post-October 7

From Jerusalem Post · (4m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Israeli artists and academics report facing a significant cultural boycott following the October 7th events.
  • Performers and researchers describe canceled partnerships, rejected submissions, and a general reluctance to engage with Israelis across various fields.
  • The boycott impacts individuals regardless of their political stances, leading to feelings of isolation and damage to Israel's international standing in the arts and sciences.

The Jerusalem Post has always been a staunch advocate for Israel, and we are deeply concerned by the escalating cultural boycott targeting Israeli artists and academics. Since October 7th, our community has faced an unprecedented wave of isolation, with international partners severing ties and collaborations.

After Oct. 7, we had groups that didn’t want to work with us anymore. We used to work in Spain a lot. Everyone knew us. We formed a partnership with a Spanish cast and production. Suddenly, they refused to continue working with anything that connects them with Israel.

— Boaz BermanFounder of the Mayumana dance troupe, describing the impact of the boycott on his group's international collaborations.

Boaz Berman of the Mayumana dance troupe shared his dismay at how a Spanish partner dissolved their affiliation after being asked to publicly support Palestine. This highlights a disturbing trend where art, which should unite us, is being weaponized for political agendas. Berman’s sentiment that "political opinions should not be a part of the show" resonates deeply with many Israelis who feel unfairly targeted.

They asked us to publish that we support Palestine, and when we answered that we don’t mix politics – we do art – they dissolved the affiliation. They said they cannot work with us anymore.

— Boaz BermanExplaining the specific reason for the dissolution of a partnership with a Spanish group.

Furthermore, an academic, speaking anonymously for fear of further repercussions, detailed how Israeli researchers face rejected submissions and a general ostracization in academic and artistic circles. This "not so silent" boycott is not just hurting individuals; it's damaging Israel's standing on the global stage and discouraging young talent from pursuing careers in vital fields. As an author myself, I've experienced similar rejections for projects with Israeli themes, underscoring the pervasive nature of this cultural freeze.

This was a big blow. We have been working with people from all over the world – Spain, South America, and Australia. Political opinions should not be a part of the show.

— Boaz BermanExpressing his disappointment and the broad impact of the boycott on his troupe's global reach.

While some may argue that discussing these boycotts amplifies the problem, The Jerusalem Post believes it is crucial to shed light on this injustice. Ignoring it will not make it disappear. We must address this situation to ensure that Israeli artists, scientists, and academics are not permanently branded as "damaged goods" and can continue to contribute to the global cultural and intellectual landscape.

The more we talk about it, the more friends and colleagues we lose. Researchers refuse to publish with us. Submissions from Israelis are rejected in the arts and humanities, even the sciences. We are at the lowest point in these vicious boycotts if the war continues.

— Academic (unnamed)Describing the personal and professional consequences of the boycott on Israeli academics.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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