Says This is a “Teachable Moment for Resisting BDS Pressure Tactics"
New York, NY, August 19, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed an apology from the Rototom Sunsplash reggae festival for having cancelled a concert by American Jewish singer Matisyahu, and commended the festival for re-inviting him to perform.
ADL initially referred to the cancellation of Matisyahu’s show as a “clear case of anti-Semitic discrimination,” and noted it was illegal under Spanish law.
“The festival organizers unequivocally acknowledged their mistake and apologized,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL National Director. “Importantly, they contrasted the ‘threats and coercion’ of the anti-Israel BDS campaign with true respect for human rights and democratic values, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Spanish Constitution. This was a teachable moment for Rototom Sunsplash festival. It is also an important lesson for universities, businesses and cultural events to resist the aggressive pressure tactics of the BDS campaign and prevent attacks on cultural and academic freedom.”
Mr. Greenblatt added, “There was a clear instance of anti-Semitic discrimination in this specific case, and we appreciate the condemnations of the festival’s original decision by the Spanish government, local Spanish officials, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, all of which made clear that such discrimination is absolutely unacceptable.”