UK citizens welcome Israeli artists
Poll shows clear majority of British citizens do not agree with cultural boycott of Israel
The poll highlighted the fact that less than one out of five people objected to Israeli cultural productions being presented in the United Kingdom. Even more, three-quarters of the population had no issue with British counterparts performing in Israel.
The survey was conducted in the wake of a rash of several public outbursts against Israeli cultural presentations across the United Kingdom.
Disruptions were seen at several performances including those of the Habima theater company when it performed at the Globe, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in London, and protests at the appearance of the Batsheva contemporary dance group when it performed at the Edinburgh International Festival.
The statistics gleaned from the new poll contradict British anti-Israel activists who have suggested that the majority of Britons would support a cultural boycott of Israel and consider Israel to be in the same pariah category as Apartheid South Africa used to be.
International artists who continue to perform in Israel despite pressure include Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna and Rihanna.
Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life
