Massive Attack and Brian Eno solidarize with Gaza

Massive Attack and Brian Eno solidarize with Gaza

A group of musicians from the United Kingdom and Ireland has come together to stand up for artists who are against the war of Israel in the Gaza Strip and the role of foreign governments in financing. In a social media contribution by the band Massive Attack, which also from Kneecap, Fontaines D.C. And the musician and producer Brian Eno was shared, it is said: "Because of our expressions of conscience, we are exposed to various intimidations from our industry" and "legally by organized groups such as UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI)."

intimidation in the music industry

The musicians are aware of the "aggressive, annoying campaigns", which are operated by UKLFI, as well as several individual attempts at intimidation within the music industry themselves, which aim to censor and silence.

reactions to criticism

Caroline Turner, the director of UKLFI, commented on Friday in a statement to CNN: "Massive Attack attacked our organization, which is committed to protecting the victims of anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli racism." She added: "Unfortunately, anti -Semitism in the United Kingdom has become an everyday part of life, and those who try to protect the victims are now exposed to cruel attacks by the perpetrators."

controversy and legal steps

The contributions come after the Northern Irish rappers Kneecap and the British rap-punk duo Bob Vylan were criticized for their pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli rhetoric. Both see themselves Police Investigations After their appearances at the Glastonbury Music Festival, which UKLFI reported.

police measures against artists

UKLFI reported that a singer of Bob Vylan was reported to the police because he called during her Glastonbury show "Death the IDF", with the abbreviation refers to the Israeli army. They also reimbursed The BBC because they showed the performance. The BBC later described Bob Vylan's idea as "anti -Semitic" and admitted that it should not have been broadcast.

allegations and legal consequences

A member of Kneecap, which Israel and the war on the Gaza Strip openly criticized, was charged last month about suspicion of a terrorist offense, since he is said to have shown a flag "in favor of Hezbollah", the London police and UKLFI reported. The British anti -terrorist unit said that it examined the group after videos showed that the band apparently called British politicians to death and "Hamas high, Hezbollah", which was considered support for the militant groups from Gaza and Lebanon.

event cancellations and artist support

Both bands, Bob Vylan and Kneecap, faced numerous cancellations of appearances. UKLFI said that they had written down the British venues where Kneecap was supposed to appear this summer and warned them of "the risks that bring them to them".

The US State Department banned Bob Vylan the performance in the USA.

call to solidarity

In their joint contributions on social media, the musicians of the newly founded Alliance encouraged other artists who want to express themselves but are afraid of consequences to contact them. "The scenes in the Gaza Strip can no longer be described," says the article that announced the foundation of the syndicate. This calls for an armistice, the "immediate, unrounded access" of relief goods to Gaza, the end of British weapons sales to Israel and other measures.

"After we have survived these attempts to censorship, we will not stand by and how other artists - especially those who are in previous career levels or in other professional positions - are pushed into the silence or in the termination of their career," says the explanation.

The English singer Paloma Faith showed her support in Kneecap's contribution. She commented on Instagram via her verified account: "Go on, it will change at some point! Hold through."