Jewish group sends Spain's leader letter about Matisyahu
The World Jewish Congress said Wednesday it had written to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy protesting the cancellation of a concert by Jewish-American singer Matisyahu at a reggae festival because he declined to state his position regarding a Palestinian state.
Congress President Ronald S. Lauder called on Rajoy to condemn the cancellation, adding that the "scandalous behavior" of Rototom Sunsplash festival organizers demanded firm action by Spain.
In the letter sent Tuesday, Lauder said the decision's "anti-Semitic overtones are not in Spain's best interests," adding that the Jewish community in Spain and worldwide were deeply troubled by the incident.
