Following outcries and appeals from people like you and advocates for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) around the world, renowned musician and civil rights leader Stevie Wonder cancelled his performance for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Annual Fundraiser Gala! We learned about the great news as we watched yesterday's historic vote by the UN to upgrade Palestine's status to a “non-member state,” despite the strenuous objections of the United States and Israel.
Palestinians, Israelis, Artists Against Apartheid, the US Campaign, and member groups US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott, the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice, were among the many who reached out to Wonder. Three international petitions garnered more than 10,000 signatures, including 4,000 of you who signed our petition in the 24 hours directly preceding the announcement. The Jewish Telegraph Agency reported that Wonder took note of the petitions and decided to cancel. Thanks to all who signed!
Now Stevie needs to know that people around the world are behind him! Click here to thank Stevie for doing the right thing!
FIDF announced the cancellation yesterday, November 29th, on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People that marked 65 years since the UN voted to partition Palestine, leading to the exile and dispossession of Palestinians that continues to this day. Wonder's representatives said that the United Nations had also recommended cancellation in light of his official designation as a UN “Messenger of Peace.” Is it just us or did the United Nations just recommend cultural boycott?
Wonder’s cancellation constitutes one of the biggest victories to date for the Palestinian-led international campaign for cultural boycott of institutions complicit in Israel’s occupation and apartheid practices.
The US Campaign worked day and night on this campaign, reaching out to Wonder publicly and privately and helping mobilize thousands of individuals, organizations, and public figures around the world. But we can’t do this kind of work without your support.
If you believe in us continuing and expanding this important work, we hope you will consider giving us a donation today.
Activists in Los Angeles are planning a demonstration against the gala, which glorifies and raises money to support the Israeli military that enforces Israel’s occupation and apartheid policies, violating the fundamental human rights of Palestinians. The fundraiser will take place next Thursday, December 6th. Click here to join the Facebook event page for details, endorsements, and updates! If you are not on Facebook, we have also posted details on our Stevie Wonder Campaign webpage here. If you are in Los Angeles, you won’t want to miss this protest!
Stevie Wonder’s decision illustrates the mainstreaming and growing power of the global BDS movement. It is by working together in coalition to continue mounting pressure on Israel and complicit U.S. institutions that the Palestinians’ rights to freedom, justice, and equality can one day be realized.
Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely
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