Rabat – Indie-rock band Big Thief has announced that they are canceling two shows in Tel Aviv. The decision to cancel the shows was published on the band’s official Twitter page on June 9.
The band, which was formed in 2015 in the United States, said “we oppose the illegal occupation and the systematic oppression of the Palestinian people. We believe in total freedom and self-determination for all Palestinians” in their statement.
After announcing the two shows in Israel, Big Thief received international criticism for the decision. In particular by the BDS movement, which continues to call for a cultural boycott of Israel, which includes musical performances.
The BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanction) movement campaigns for an end to international support for Israel through similar economic measures that helped end apartheid in South Africa. They also encourage pressure on Israel to comply with international law, which the state repeatedly violates on various levels, shielded by the US’ veto at the UN security Council.
Despite BDS’ call for a cultural boycott, Big Thief originally defended their decision to hold the concerts. “We want to remain open to other people’s perspectives and to love beyond disagreement” the band stated on Instagram.
Big Thief is made up of three American members and Israeli bass player Max Oleartchik. The band had previously expressed the wish to play in Israel because of Oleartchik’s family connections to the state. Previously, they had toured the United States, visiting areas where the other members had grown up.
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“Our intent in wanting to play the shows in Tel Aviv, where Max was born, raised, and currently lives, stemmed from a simple belief that music can heal.” continued Big Thief in their latest statement.
Throughout the years, big names in the music industry have visited Israel and held concerts across the country. However, Big Thief is not the first to cancel their plans. Elvis Costello reversed his decision to perform there in 2010, as well as New Zealand artist Lorde in 2017.
Organizations outside of music have also supported the BDS movement. Last year, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream ended sales in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. There is also pressure on PayPal to stop excluding its services to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
