Dear Isabelle Huppert and Mathieu Amalric,
We are Israeli citizens who oppose our government's policies of apartheid, occupation and racism against the Palestinian people.
We are acting in solidarity with the Palestinian civil society's call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel because of its policies. We are asking you to join Mike Lee, Ken Loach and numerous artists who have decided to boycott the Israeli establishment and its cultural propaganda campaigns.
You have been invited to participate in a festival that is funded by the Israeli government. Your presence in this event will help our government in conveying the mendacious message of "business as usual" and "Israel is a centre of culture and democracy".
What lies beneath this thin veneer of propaganda? Millions of people living under Israel's occupation cannot enjoy these film festivals. A Palestinian fan of your films who lives in the village of Bil'in, under Israeli occupation, will not be allowed to come to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and meet you!
Please note that prominent South African anti-apartheid activists, such as Bishop Desmond Tutu, agree with our view that Israel is an apartheid state, and endorse the BDS campaign. This week we have learned that South African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who had been scheduled to perform here, will not do so.
Please note also that we are not asking you not to visit Israel/Palestine, or not to screen your films at independent venues here. We are only asking you to refuse to cooperate with the Israeli government.
Please say "no" to apartheid, occupation and racism, and support our cause!
We will gladly answer your comments or questions.
Sincerely,
Oshra Bar
Ofra Ben Artzi
Adi Dagan
Rachel Giora
Neta Golan
Ohal Grietzer
Anat Guthmann
Iris Hefets
Assaf Kintzer
Edo Medicks
Ofer Neiman
Tal Shapira
On behalf of BOYCOTT! Supporting the Palestinian BDS call from within