We Believe in Israel is launching an urgent email campaign to confront the growing and insidious trend of silencing Israeli voices in the arts and cultural arenas. This is not just about censorship; it is about a calculated assault on the principles of free expression and an attempt to delegitimise Israeli artists simply because of their nationality.
The recent removal of Israeli choreographer Dor Eldar’s film Rave from the Exeter International Dance Festival, following pressure from sponsors and fellow filmmakers, is a chilling example of how antisemitism is increasingly masquerading as political protest. This was not an act of cultural critique—it was an act of exclusion, driven by prejudice and cowardice.
Art should transcend politics. It should provoke, inspire, and foster dialogue. But when Israeli voices are silenced, art becomes a weapon of division. Censorship of this kind is not only morally bankrupt; it betrays the very purpose of culture and creativity.
Through this campaign, we aim to send an unequivocal message to cultural institutions, sponsors, and decision-makers: silencing Israeli voices is a disgrace, and it will not go unanswered. Allowing such actions to go unchallenged emboldens those who seek to isolate and demonise Israel, all while undermining the integrity of the arts as a space for dialogue and understanding.
We need your voice to join this fight. By supporting our campaign, you can help us:
- Expose and challenge instances of discrimination against Israeli artists.
- Demand accountability from organisations complicit in such acts.
- Advocate for artistic freedom that transcends political biases.
Let’s stand together against this alarming trend. By joining our campaign, you are defending not just Israeli voices, but the principles of fairness, creativity, and free expression that should underpin any civilised society.
You can join our campaign by writing directly to the Exeter International Dance Festival ([email protected]) to express your opposition to their decision to exclude Israeli voices. Alternatively, follow our email link to access a model letter that you can send to make your voice heard. Together, we can stand against this unjust silencing of Israeli artists.
