DJs are endorsing a cultural boycott of Israel with #DJsForPalestine
Four Tet, Laurel Halo, Discwoman, and more have pledged not to perform in the country in protest.
DJs and electronic musicians across the world are co-signing #DJForPalestine, a social media campaign and pledge not to perform in Israel in protest of the occupation of Palestine, Far Out Magazine reports. Artists like Four Tet, Laurel Halo, and the N.Y.C. collective Discwoman have all shared the following statement on social media: "As long as the Israeli government continues its brutal and sustained oppression of the Palestinian people we respect their call for a boycott of Israel as a means of peaceful protest against the occupation."
The campaign was hailed by the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), a founding member of the Palestinian Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) National Committee. Read PACBI's statement below.
The campaign began in the wake of the controversy surrounding the Meteor Festival in Tel Aviv, which took place September 6-9. Lana Del Rey announced she would not perform after initially resisting calls to drop out. Her departure was followed by several other artists like of Montreal, Shlohmo, and DJ Mall Grab.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Ben UFO explained his decision to specifically boycott Israel. “To those who ask why this boycott is selective and only applies to one state, I would say that if a comparable situation existed elsewhere in the world, and a boycott had been called by the affected oppressed class of people, then I would respect that too. For me, this is primarily an issue of solidarity and an exercise in listening. My position on this issue is part of a more general politics of anti-racism, which I hope that I can live up to.”
Thumbnail photo by Mary Kang for The FADER