BDS movement urges Rolling Stones to cancel Israel show
Citing group's past criticism of South African apartheid regime, pro-Palestinian activists call on legendary band 'not to overlook Israel's human rights violations.'
The Rolling Stones confirmed a June concert in Israel after months of rumors and speculations, and now pro-Palestinian activists began petitioning the British rock stars to reconsider their decision.
Such attempts by boycotters have won past successes, for example, in 2010 Elvis Costello canceled his scheduled show, citing "intimidation" and "humiliation" of Palestinians, as did the trip-hop group Massive Attack who event when further and came out as boycott supporters.
Rafif Ziadah, a spokesman of the boycott, divestment and sanction (BDS) movement against Israel said that the Rolling Stones had criticized the apartheid regime in South Africa, and compared it to Israel, which he claims also practiced a policy of segregation .
"The Palestinian organizations urge the Rolling Stones: Do not play in apartheid Israel and do not overlook (their) violations of international law and human rights against the Palestinian people," the spokesman said.
After months of rumors, it was reported that the Rolling Stones will play a concert at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv on June 4, Israeli producer Shuki Weiss confirmed Tuesday.
Tickets for the concert are to go on sale on Sunday, March 30, at 9 am. The tickets cost NIS 695 ($200) for the cheapest spaces, NIS 1,790 ($515) for the "golden ring", and NIS 2,850 ($820) for VIP seats.
"For the first time in my 35 years in the business I have no words to express the size of an event of this kind in Israel," Weiss told reporters as he announced the concert.
Regarding the ticket prices, Weiss said that they were cheaper than the sums the band charged in other places around the world, and that the concert would boost tourism to Israel. "We are expecting thousands of tourists to come to the show," he said.
He pointed out that Rolling Stones tickets for other venues that went on sale Monday had already been sold out.
Ami Friedman contributed to this report
