Artists unite in boycott of Israel

More than 2,500 Irish artists and cultural workers have signed a pledge committing them to boycott Israel, the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has announced.

The Irish Artists’ Pledge to Boycott Israel passed the milestone after attracting more than 1,000 additional signatories since 2023.

Those who have signed include musicians, actors, writers, poets, filmmakers, dancers, architects, composers, designers, painters and sculptors.

Among the best-known names on the list are Fontaines D.C., Kneecap, Stephen Rea, Sinéad Cusack, Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine, CMAT, Damien Dempsey, Sharon Shannon, Robert Ballagh, Mary Black and Kíla.

Writers Kevin Barry, Sally Rooney, Doireann Ní Ghríofa and Marian Keyes are also among the signatories.

The pledge was launched by the IPSC in August 2010 following an initiative by composer and campaign co-founder Raymond Deane. It initially attracted the support of more than 140 Irish creative and performing artists.

Signatories undertake not to perform or exhibit in Israel or accept funding from institutions linked to the Israeli government until Israel complies with international law and universal principles of human rights.

The pledge was modelled on the cultural boycott of apartheid-era South Africa and supports the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.

IPSC chairperson and cultural liaison Zoë Lawlor said reaching 2,500 signatories represented a significant moment for the campaign.

“We are extremely proud to have so many artists sign up to our pledge,” she said.

“It is a testament to the unbreakable bonds of solidarity between the people of Ireland and Palestine.

“Reaching 2,500 signatories is a huge landmark in Irish solidarity with Palestine and a serious statement in support of the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice and equality.”

Ms Lawlor said Irish artists continued to demonstrate their support for Palestinians internationally.

“It is both moving and heartening to see such empathy and shared humanity,” she added.

IPSC vice-chairperson Fatin Al Tamimi said the level of support among Irish artists offered hope to Palestinians.

“The fact that over 2,500 artists in Ireland are willing to stand in solidarity with our struggle is a huge ray of hope and makes me incredibly proud of my adoptive homeland,” she said.

“I thank each one of the signatories, and I ask every other Irish artist to sign up to boycott Israel until we Palestinians enjoy our freedom, justice and equality.”

The IPSC said the Irish initiative was the first nationally organised cultural boycott of Israel and was followed by similar campaigns in Britain, Switzerland, South Africa and elsewhere.

See the full list at https://www.ipsc.ie/pledge