In the midst of continued violence between Israeli and Palestinian forces, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has released a statement condemning Snoop Dogg’s scheduled September 18 performance in the Jewish state.
The group, which mantra calls for a “comprehensive economic, cultural, and academic boycott of Israel,” has expressed shock that Snoop would make an appearance in Israel at a time when the region is full of strife and tenuous peace talks.
“The Palestinian arts community was deeply saddened and surprised by the news of your upcoming performance in Israel on September 18 in Ramat Gan,” the PACBI disclosed in a statement. “We strongly urge you to cancel your plans to perform in Israel until the time comes when Israel ends its illegal occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories and respects the relevant precepts of international law concerning Palestinian rights to freedom, self-determination and equality.”
The group also questions Snoop’s integrity as an ambassador of Hip-Hop, since many young Palestinians have adopted Hip-Hop culture as a means of protest against Israel’s current occupation and settlements in the West Bank (East Jerusalem).
A shaky truce was reached June 19 between Israel and Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movment), who control the Gaza Strip.
Despite this, isolated violence continues with both sides accusing the other of undermining the peace talks.
“How can an artist whose name is prominently associated with this form of popular and freedom-based musical expression, rap, be apathetic to the monstrosity of Israel’s current war crimes in Gaza, its Apartheid Wall, declared illegal by the International Court of Justice at the Hague, or its continued violation of fundamental Palestinian rights?” the PACBI challenges. “Just as conscientious artists the world over boycotted South African apartheid in the past we expect and urge them to boycott Israel’s own system of colonization and racial discrimination, compared to apartheid by former US President Jimmy Carter, as well as many leading figures in South Africa, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and current minister, Ronnie Kasrils.”
PACBI further claims that many Palestinian rappers who were inspired by Snoop would not have the privilege of seeing the West Coast legend due to Israel’s occupation.
“It is also worth reminding you that Palestinian rappers and musicians in the occupied Palestinian territory, like all Palestinians under Israeli occupation, are denied their basic rights, including the “privilege” of freedom of expression which you — and all of us — so highly value,” the group elaborates. “Try to find out, for instance, how many Palestinian rappers, particularly those in besieged Gaza, will be allowed to attend your concert? By performing in Ramat Gan you are helping to perpetuate this special form of apartheid that denies us our rights.
“We sincerely hope that you shall cancel your announced performance in Israel,” the statement concludes.
Yesterday (July 2), a Palestinian man used a bulldozer to ram down city streets, killing three people in the process before being shot dead by Israeli police.
Snoop Dogg could not be reached for comment at press time.