MUSICIAN STEVIE WONDER CANCELS PRO-ISRAEL PERFORMANCE
2012-12-02 | 02:12:47
Washington D.C., 18 Muharram 1434/ 2 December 2012 (WAFA/MINA) – World famous musician and civil rights leader Stevie Wonder has cancelled a planned performance for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Annual Fundraiser Gala following a growing outcry from individuals, human rights organizations, and public figures from around the world, a press release by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation said on Satruday.
In conjunction with letters and phone calls from Israelis, Palestinians, other artists and public figures, three international petitions had garnered more than 10,000 signatures, including an open letter by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation that garnered more than 4,000 signatures in less than 24 hours directly preceding the announcement.
A statement issued by Wonder read in part: “With a heart that has always cried out for world unity, I will not be performing at the FIDF Gala on December 6th… As a Messenger of Peace, I am and have always been against war, any war, anywhere.”
Wonder’s representatives said that the United Nations had also recommended cancellation in light of his official designation as a UN “Messenger of Peace.”
Symbolically, the announcement came on November 29, the annual UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, marking 65 years since the UN voted to partition Palestine leading to the exile and dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Wonder’s performance had been set to take place one week later in Los Angeles.
Bassem Nasir, a Palestinian writer, said: “As a longtime fan, I am delighted that the inspiration I have long received from Stevie has been reaffirmed. More importantly, as a Palestinian, I am grateful that he had the courage to stand against the injustices done to my people. I hope more artists do the same and boycott Israel.”
Cindy and Craig Corrie — the parents of American peace activist Rachel Corrie who was killed in 2003 by an Israeli soldier driving a U.S.-made Caterpillar bulldozer as she was protecting a Palestinian family’s home from demolition in Gaza — commended the decision.
The Deputy National Director and Director of Development for FIDF, Pinhas Zoaretz, was the commanding officer of the Israeli military’s Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade when Rachel was killed.
“We are heartened by reports that Stevie Wonder has decided not to perform for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces,” said the Corries. “The death, destruction, confiscation of land, and suppression of basic human rights executed by the Israeli military do not merit the support of those who yearn for justice, peace, and security for all in the region.”(T/R-012/R-002).
