5 Instances When Stars Cancelled Israel Trip To Highlight Killing Of Palestinian People

With the announcement of cancelling the pre-FIFA World Cup friendly match against Israel, Argentina has stoked the news engine for those who follow sports as well as international politics. The match had to be played in the most desired and contested city of Jerusalem, at Teddy Stadium, which has been built on the ruins of a Palestinian village that existed before the creation of Israel and subsequent ethnic cleansing of the Arabs. While the international advocacy group BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) sees this as a victory for the moment, Israeli media and government are trying to make people believe that Argentina has cancelled the match because of the threats to its players.

Thank you! @Argentina cancels "friendly" match with Israel. #ArgentinaNotGoing! Striker Gonzalo "Pipa" Higua¨ªn says, "Not going was the right thing to do." Good luck at the #WorldCup. pic.twitter.com/CBwtEKWVj2

¡ª PACBI (@PACBI) June 5, 2018

The Israeli excuse seems hard to believe considering the security apparatus the state has in place. Anyway, from a safe distance this appears to be a major embarrassment for Israel, which is garnering international support to recognise Jerusalem as its capital. In fact, this is not the first time that Israel has been left red-faced by the guests who have cited its treatment of the Palestinians as the sole reason for pulling out of the events. Beginning with Argentina soccer team, here are a few more groups and individuals who have used the opportunity to tell Israel that it's carrying out unwarranted atrocities on innocent Palestinians in the name of fighting terrorism. It seems nobody has forgotten more than 50 people killed by Israel in Gaza in one day recently.

1. Thanks, But No Thanks, Say Messi¡¯s Men

AFP

Most of the observers believe that Argentina should never have accepted to play in Israel, that too in occupied Jerusalem. As the days came closer for Lionel Messi-led Argentina to land on Israeli soil, the protest grew immensely on the internet as well as outside. People urged the legendary footballer to rethink his team¡¯s decision to play in Israel. Finally, on Wednesday, Argentina cancelled its friendly match against Israel, which could have been a crucial practice match for them ahead of the world cup, scheduled to begin in mid-June in Russia. Argentina did not clearly mention the reason for taking such a decision, but it looks apparent that the team management paid heed to the urges of its supporters.

2. ¡®Distressed¡¯ Natalie Portman Cancelled ¡®Jewish Nobel¡¯ Trip

AFP

Israel would want to forget it as early as possible. Hollywood Actress Natalie Portman, in April 2018, cancelled her trip to Israel, that too, for an event where she had to receive the Genesis Prize, also known as ¡®Jewish Nobel¡¯. Natalie, who was born in Jerusalem, was clear in her reasoning and spelt out that violence in Israel is the sole reason for her not attending the event. The Genesis Prize Foundation said that a representative for the Oscar-winning actress informed the organisation that "recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel" and that "she cannot in good conscience move forward with the ceremony."

3. Shakira Not To Perform Whenever, Wherever There¡¯s Injustice

AFP

Colombian Singer Shakira was also scheduled to perform in Tel Aviv in July. However, the BDS activists sent her a letter telling the real situation and how her performance would amount to ignoring the atrocities on the Palestinians. ¡°Performing in an apartheid state, whether South Africa in the past or Israel today, in defiance of the voices of the oppressed always undermines the popular struggle of the oppressed to end oppression. Doing so on the heels of a full-fledged Israeli massacre against our people in Gaza is a morally reprehensible whitewash of the crime,¡± the letter read. Meanwhile, Israeli media reports in May end suggested that Shakira too has decided not to visit Israel at this point of time.

4. Lorde Honoured Messages And Said No To Israel

Time

Israel was preparing to host New Zealand¡¯s singing sensation Lorde in late December 2017. However, the singer was sent numerous messages urging her not to visit Israel and perform to suit the agenda of a country that has illegally occupied Palestinian Territories. One of the letters informed her: ¡°Today, millions of people stand opposed to the Israeli government¡¯s policies of oppression, ethnic cleansing, human rights violations, occupation and apartheid. As part of this struggle, we believe that an economic, intellectual and artistic boycott is an effective way of speaking out against these crimes. This worked very effectively against apartheid in South Africa, and we hope it can work again.¡± Lorde finally cancelled her concert in Israel and the country was left embarrassed once again.

5. Portishead Stand with Palestinian victims of Israeli violence

NME.com

UK band Portishead was also anticipated to perform in Israel this year. But, they too, heard the voice of the sufferers and declined to visit and perform in Israel.

The trio sent a loud and clear message to Israel stating that they should send the occupation and violence against Palestinians and until then they have no interest in performing on the Israeli stage.

While Israel enjoys huge support by the US and some of the European countries, in what it calls its actions against the terrorist activities by the Palestinians, the majority of the world understands that most of it is mere propaganda to hide its own crimes against humanity.