_a.jpg "צילום: ז'רר אלון")
Rami Baruch in 'Pollard's Trial'
Photo: Jerar Alon
Actor refuses to perform in Kiryat Arba
Rami Baruch, who plays role of Jonathan Pollard in Cameri Theater production, to boycott new cultural hall in Jewish settlement. 'This is where Baruch Goldstein and Kahane came from,' he says
After the cultural boycott of Ariel,
it's now Kiryat Arba's turn.
"Kiryat Arba is not Ariel," Baruch explained. "I made a decision, understanding that it could lead to financial ramifications and counter-boycotts. Kiryat Arba is where Baruch Goldstein and Kahane came from, and I asked myself what is my place in this whole story."
Actor Rami Baruch, who plays the role of Jonathan Pollard in the Cameri Theater production "Pollard's Trial", announced Sunday that he would not be attending the show's debut at the Jewish settlement's new cultural hall, scheduled for September 19.
Culture Clash
Local council members present proposal that will see performances at soon-to-be opened culture center evaluated by spiritual committee, demand loyalty oath from performers
The actor added that according to his contract with the theater, he is only obligated to perform within the Green Line.
Kiryat Arba residents were outraged at Baruch's announcement. "It's a shame that he hasn't learned the lesson from the boycott launched against the Ariel cultural hall, and has decided to boycott thousands of culture-supporting residents who were looking forward to watch the play in Kiryat Arba and Hebron," said Kiryat Arba-Hebron Council head Malachi Levinger.
"Clearly, Baruch has given into pressure from the extreme Left, choosing to violate the anti-boycott law adopted by the Knesset," Levinger added.
Kiryat Arba Council Member Bentzi Gopstein said in response, "I'm certain that if Pollard finds out that Baruch refuses to perform here, he will ask him to stop portraying him in the play."
Left-wing groups, on the other hand, rushed to embrace Baruch. The Peace Now movement welcomed his decision and said it would be willing to provide him with legal assistance.
"Kiryat Arba is a symbol of racism. Artists and performers have no business there," said Peace Now Secretary-General Yariv Oppenheimer.
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