TSO Taking Stage on Jerusalem: Petition Sent Naming Whitewashing

The TSO will be warming up in Jerusalem right now--ignoring the clear call to NOT play. Perhaps a few of those who signed from Israel can show up tonight or on Saturday in Tel Aviv to remind that we will continue to follow up, and will not be welcoming a return visit planned by state of Israel musical ambassadors to Toronto/TSO in the fall. So as the playing begins, the petition with almost 1000 names and over 200 comments has been delivered along with the following cover email. Gary Hanson and TSO administration/Francine Labelle-Public Relations Director); Peter Oundjian (c/o of Molly Lipham) and all performers; The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is about to begin its first-ever appearances in Israel, with performance in Jerusalem tonight and Tel Aviv on May 13, 2017. This is very disturbing. Clearly, the TSO has chosen to align itself with Israel's grave violations of international law and human rights. This despite many organizations, and individual letters have been sent, asking TSO musicians to reflect on the appeal from Palestinian artists, an not perform TSO's “Arabian Nights” concert in Israel. The attached petition has received almost a 1000 signatures in just over a week--all calling for the TSO to NOT perform. You will read over 200 specific comments about why the TSO should not be playing in Israel. Palestinian writers, artists and cultural centers have called on international artists not to perform in Israel until it ceases its grave violations of human rights and international law. They seek freedom from occupation of West Bank and Gaza, equality for the Palestinian citizens of Israel, and justice for the refugees. Learn more about the cultural boycott. Still the TSO along with a "fan club" of those who support zionism over human rights will be in Jerusalem tonight and in Tel Aviv later this week, supporting "white washing" of the state of Israel's apartheid, colonization, occupation, settlement and refusal of refugee rights. Israel uses performances by international artists as a stamp of approval for its regime of occupation, settler-colonialism and apartheid. Irrespective of visiting artists’ intentions their performances are used to cover up Israel’s human rights violations. And you have joined this group of artists. Thus, We call on: TSO musicians to say no to being a stamp of approval for Israel’s regime of occupation, settler-colonialism and apartheid. TSO to cancel their two shows in Israel, recognizing that the TSO performances are being used to cover up Israel’s human rights violations. (seems you did not hear the call!) Subscribers and members of the TSO to cancel their ties, and for citizens of conscience to not support TSO through donations or attending performance since the TSO did not cancel its Israel performances, and on Federal and provincial governments to stop all support of the TSO, recognizing our taxes should not be used to support cultural events for regimes that abuse the human rights of millions of people. Also, for the City of Toronto to make a clear statement that it does not support such white washing by the TSO and other organizations in the city, and does not welcome musical and cultural organizations that serve as ambassadors for the state of Israel See attached the petition signed by 1000 citizens of Toronto, Canada, and the world including in Israel, along with their comments. We look forward to your reply and would be glad to meet with any member of the TSO administration, board or performers, the host venue in Toronto --the Roy Thomson Hall, or the federal, provincial or municipal government in this regard. Also sent to: the Federal Government of Canada: Canadian Heritage Minister Joly and International Affairs Minister Freeland, the Province of Ontario: Premier Wynne and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, City of Toronto, Mayor Tory, City Manager, Roy Thomson Hall, CEO and Chair of the Board