Fear of the BDS'ers spreads in England
The Jewish Music Institute (JMI) at the University Of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) has refused to accept a donation from the Government of Israel for its Jewish Music Festival, in the hope of avoiding protests by supporters of the BDS movement. Members of JMI's Board of Trustees - who were not consulted - are appalled. A trustee of the Jewish Music Institute has expressed his anger and frustration that the organisation turned down Israeli funding for a conference under pressure from boycotters.It sounds to me like Ms. Auerbach is having a little trouble deciding which side she is supposed to be on. Perhaps a boycott of the festival by London's Jewish community will help her to decide.
David Mencer, a former director of the Labour Friends of Israel, attacked the "appalling lack of judgment and moral character in [the JMI's] distancing itself from Israel."
He said the trustees had not been consulted by JMI director Geraldine Auerbach over the decision. Mr Mencer said he believed the organization had "submitted to blackmail and given the Israel boycotters and Israel haters an unnecessary victory.
"JMI have refused to accept a donation from the representatives of the democratically elected government of the State of Israel for an event about the music of Israel.
"We have made it even more difficult for other organisations trying hard to promote UK - Israel ties by setting this precedent.
"I am sure that I am not alone in wanting to distance myself from this decision. Perhaps most importantly of all, this decision will also have mortally damaged any future attempt to fundraise from the Jewish community, thus jeopardising the future of the organisation."
Ms Auerbach said: "This was a decision we reached independently and has no bearing on any future decision we might take over funding from Israel. That will be decided depending on the circumstances."
Labels: BDS, Jewish Music Institute, University of London
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:41 PM
4 comments
