Over 12,000 people from across the globe who has signed the Creative Community for Peace (CCFP) anti-boycott petition [PETITION] asking all artists facing boycott pressure to keep their concert dates and play for peace in Israel.
Anti-Israel activists have turned up the boycott pressure on all artists scheduled to perform in Israel but especially on ALICIA KEYS. On May 31, Alicia told the New York Times that she would keep her concert date in Israel despite boycott pressure: "I look forward to my first visit to Israel. Music is a universal language that is meant to unify audiences in pace and love, and that is the spirit of our show." [NY Times]
But instead of respecting her decision, boycott Israel coalition responded by intensifying their efforts. On June 11, they presented a boycott petition with 12,000 signatures to Alicia’s foundation. On June 12, BET.com (Black Entertainment Television) posted a one-sided, aniti-Israel article and created a poll asking the public, “Should Alicia Keys Play in Israel”. [BET Poll]
The Creative Community for Peace represents a cross section of the creative world--those who create and help create music, films, and television programs--and their fans.
We may not all share the same politics or the same opinion on the best path to peace in the Middle East. But we do agree that singling out Israel, the only democracy in the region, as a target of cultural boycotts while ignoring the now-recognized human rights issues of her neighbors will not further peace.
