Lorde needs to reconsider her decision to perform in Israel

Lorde needs to reconsider urgently her decision to perform in Israel and instead, decline the invitation and support the rights of the Palestinians

Lorde, has announced she plans to perform in Israel in 2018. Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa-NZ spokesperson, Janfrie Wakim, believes she has been ill-advised and needs to reconsider urgently her decision and support the rights of the Palestinians.

In 2005 Palestinian civil society called for a campaign of Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it ends its 50 year occupation of Palestinian lands and the 11 year blockade of Gaza, complies with international law and respects Palestinian human rights.

Israel follows policies towards Palestinians which are remarkably similar to the apartheid policies of the white South African regime. As far back as 1989 South Africa’s Bishop Desmond Tutu said “if you change the names, the description of what is happening in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank would be a description of what is happening in South Africa.”

Just as there developed an international consensus to pressure South Africa through a comprehensive boycott so the same international consensus has developed in relation to Israel. BDS includes calls for boycotts not only in culture but also in trade, investment, commerce, diplomacy, sport and academic contacts.

"Lorde, must not side with the oppressor but stand with ordinary New Zealanders and support Palestinian solidarity groups worldwide including even within Israel itself says Janfrie Wakim. "Just as we did in the case of South Africa we must boycott Israel and Lorde needs to educate herself quick smart about what effects complicity with Israel means".

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