Culture
Edinburgh Film Festival: We'll reject Israeli sponsorship
Merav Yudilovich
Published: 04.08.06, 01:41
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30 Talkbacks for this article
1. Its a shame.
J   (08.04.06)
Its really a shame that Pro-Palestinian lobbyists would want to ban an independent artist's film who believes in co-existence and who opposes his governments policies just because he is Israeli. Sounds rather counterproductive for the lobbyist's cause.
2. Arabs facist terrorists strike again!
Daisy ,   USA   (08.04.06)
The world should boycott the Arabs phony Palestinians who advocate the murder of Jews.
3. #2 Its a shame
J   (08.04.06)
Its a shame we have people like you who add more fuel to the fire, You and those pro-palestinians are two sides of the same coin.
4. Scotland the Coward!
Josh ,   Atlanta   (08.04.06)
This group brings shame to Scots! But, I can't say I expect much out of those on that side of the Atlantic. Sad to say.
5. Shame!
Tom ,   USA   (08.04.06)
Most filmmakers are usually pro-peace and question their governments more than their citizens do! Punish people who promote extremism, not debate.
6. censorship from Edimburg festival
noemí ,   madrid   (08.04.06)
this is clear censorship to the israelí filmaker. all the movie makers should boicot the festival if the israelí do not participate.
7. Danielsen is trying to avoid a Theo Van Gogh redux
Christian Bianrossa   (08.04.06)
He knows those members of the ROP are searing mad and foaming at the mouth to get another one of the Jews. I believe this guy Danielsen was telling him not to come b/c he does not want another Theo Van Gogh. Doesn't matter if the film is critical of the ROP or not, a drama or even a cartoon. They don't need an excuse to riot or kill. He is a Jew and that's enough. Of course Shamir is just another Chomsky and on their side but they are so stupid they are actually working against themselves. As they say "he Palestinians never miss and opportunity to miss and opportunity."
8. Edinburgh Film Festival
Ellis ,   Glagow, Scotland   (08.04.06)
This is a dreadful surrender by people who really should know better. Unfortunately, the environment in Scotland [and the Uk] is exceedingly unfriendly to Israel and becoming increasingly so to Jews. The BBC is awful. The print media is generally just as bad, if not worse. [There are some supporters of Israel but despite the quality of their argument, the quantity of opposition lessens the impact.] The end result is a kind of group think which says Israel = bad. You should also know about the Israel cricket team visiting Scotland. Its first game [yesterday] was cancelled because of threats by protest groups and the authorities were unable to guarantee their safety. Israel is losing the public relations war. So long as this continues, there will be more of this type of story. Shabbat Shalom.
9. J; I speak the truth ignorant fool.
Daisy ,   USA   (08.04.06)
If you can't see the difference between the two sides than you are beyond help.
10. ban the festivale
tony ,   PARIS   (08.04.06)
Should this danielson pro- pals,lobbyist continue with his rediculous request of banning the Israeli entry,I suggest that the Festival in itself be Censored.IF the participants have enough GUTS to do so;and If this festival goes on ,Without the Israeli entry,then we will know where these people stand,In fact I am lightly amazed at the Scotish stand,in this matter... and as usual,its always Israels fault,War breaks out on the other side of the planet,Its israels fault,Mel Gibson is an alcaholic,and anti-semitic ,,,Its israels fault,Iran has elected a Baboon as president,,its Israels fault;;;;Cant you see how all this is SO REDICULOUS,?Shame on you Danielson...
11. cultural co-operation is the key
left wing peacenik   (08.04.06)
not division. only together can we achieve peace for our children and our grandchildren. If the only voices speaking for all of us all those of exclusion and division we will never be able to live in freedom from violence. salaam & shalom
12. Good thing they banned the movie
Steve ,   Toronto, Canada   (08.04.06)
If you ask me it's a good thing they are banning this film. At a time of war, Jews should unite. We don't need another anti-israel film from an Israeli. What's worse is that the Israeli government sponsors him! Only in Israel.
13. The Scotts
Bill Pearlman ,   Chicago, USA   (08.04.06)
It used to be that nobody was tougher than the Scotts. The 51st Highland division was feared from North Africa to Northern Europe Well I guess times certainly have changed. Perhaps the pervasive French habit of abject surrender is now the norm and the kilt really is a dress.
14. velvet glove
wanda ,   montreal   (08.04.06)
this is NOT censorship, as the screening shall go on and the director's still welcome... the festival is just covering its behind from a typically scathing UK press. they are handling the issue very well, even magnanimously (if they refuse money from your Department of Culture, and offer to put the director up on their tab.. they, as hosts, have an obligation to protect the director. this is a GOOD thing you idiots. your director is now a diplomat). i think you should all suspend your all-too-ready judgement and wait to see how this turns out.
15. Shame on Edinburgh
movie lover   (08.04.06)
Did they forget how this war started?
16. Yoav Shamir :Go beg to the goyim for acceptance. Typical
steve ,   Tel Aviv, Israel   (08.04.06)
17. bookburning!
janb ,   holland   (08.04.06)
well good for u that smells like the nazi bookburning in the 1930ies!!
18. other obvious candidate to boycott
Marvin   (08.04.06)
clearly, great britain for it's involvement in the iraq war and afghanistan! (not to mention the occupation of northern ireland). none, posing a threat to it's security!
19. This is as idiotic as the cartoon affair.
Suzanne   (08.04.06)
Grow up, you bunch of freedom of expression restricters (of course only restriction when it doesn't benefit their own beliefs/goal).
20. Btw, Yoav Shamir, good work. Dont let them bother you. END
Suzanne   (08.04.06)
21. Oh, they all suck together,EFF, Shamir n Pro-Palis group
John ,   NZ   (08.05.06)
22. Now thats chutzpah !
Sean ,   Montréal, Canada   (08.05.06)
Bravo for the courage to face any possible confrontation. May you have humility as a travelling companion. Nuanced in the letter was the possibillity if something goes wrong there would have been legal liabilities if you hadn't been properly advised. May the Scots be better for your visit. As for the Palestinians....hey I heard of some people boycotting Mel Gibson movies. No foolin' . On the bright side maybe they'll be happy to encounter an unarmed Jew. Good travels man
23. Edinburgh Film Festival
Rachel ,   Tel Aviv, Israel   (08.05.06)
Did anyone block "Paradise Now" from being shown at any of the major film festivals? Did Jews from around the world protest outside the theatres and prevent filmmakers from making their points? Movies are supposed to be above the petty political fray. And despite their comments to the contrary, their intimidation of Yoav Shamir's work is nothing more than a thinly disguised boycott. We don't do it here and no one should do it anywhere else, least of all in an "enlightened" country like Scotland.
24. The Scots are taking the low road!!
RCA ,   USA   (08.06.06)
I have long admired the Scots for their sheer toughness and tenacity, but they are certainly hiking down the wrong hill on this one. Banning films is one thing, but providing a platform for pro-Palestinian propaganda/anti-Israeli government sentiment with the potential to incite during time of war is not wise, unless one is cheering for the enemy. No one wishes to ban books or films, but good timing is everything. Perhaps it would be better to show this film at a later date. If the movie were just to stir honest debate, that would be fine, but when it comes to situations in the Middle East, debate is always in short supply in favor of knee-jerk reactions that always seem to complicate matters. Discretion is the greater part of valor.
25. Muslims Boycott Glasgow Airport
JP ,   USA   (08.12.06)
However, it seems the Scots are taking pretty heavy self-protecting measures against Muslims, even though they don't believe Israel should have that right. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/5208082.stm
26. Israeli Racism -goyim?
rod ,   manchester uk   (09.06.06)
If you're gonna call non-jews cattle then you really shouldn't be surprised that the cattle don't like it. That this web-site publishes such inflammatory language shows that you live in a racist environment. No wonder people want to boycott Israel. Everyone is equal, I think, except racists like you.
27. Fring Festival sucks anyway
michael Korn ,   princeton, nj   (09.07.06)
Very uninspiring when i attended in the early 1990s. It is shameful that the organizers would boycot anything Jewish. In fighting anti semitism in the days of not allowing jews to golf at couses in the USA, i remember the following sentiment: I wouldn't want to join a club that doesn't want me as a member. I have no problem with Scotland becoming a Muslim country. Tap into some of that North Sea oil. Will see if the Muslim government gives Scottish the right to return.
28. Why not? Israel art is better than theirs.
(09.07.06)
29. Human Right activists: Where you are?
Voice of Truth   (09.08.06)
http://www.middle-east-info.org/gateway/genocide/index.htm#fgm
30. ssssss
s   (09.16.06)
shame on israelis you live in a disgraced country-blood o your hands
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