JK Rowling, Dame Hilary Mantel and Melvyn Bragg are among leading cultural figures who have expressed their opposition to the boycott of Israel.

More than 150 writers, artists, musicians and media personalities signed a letter highlighting the importance of culture in promoting Israeli-Palestinian co-existence.

They also attacked the boycott of their Israeli counterparts, calling it a barrier to peace.

The letter, published in the Guardian today, reads: “Cultural engagement builds bridges, nurtures freedom and positive movement for change. It is important to encourage such a powerful tool for change rather than boycotting its use.”

Signatories also include historian Simon Schama, outgoing director of BBC Television Danny Cohen, musician Evgeny Kissin, publisher Lord Weidenfeld, broadcaster Lord Winston and former BBC chairman Lord Grade.

They said de-legitimisation and boycott “are not constructive ways to achieve a peaceful co-existence” and backed a two-state solution as “the ultimate desired outcome” to the conflict.

Lord Weidenfeld said: “Narrow-mindedness, cultural prejudice is the first step to barbarism and must be fought ruthlessly.”

Lord Grade said: “Freedom of expression and artistic freedoms are the cornerstones of democracy. Attempts to single out the democratic State of Israel for boycotts of any kind have no place in the free world; they are a tool of totalitarianism.”

The letter was sent under the auspices of Culture for Coexistence, an independent group encouraging dialogue about Israel.

Group chair Loraine da Costa said: “The call for a cultural boycott of Israel is fundamentally flawed and morally wrong. Culture is a unique way of engaging with, listening to and learning from 'the other' and to cast away this opportunity can only have a negative impact.”

The Board of Deputies welcomed the letter

Senior vice president Richard Verber described it as an "excellent initiative by some of our nation's most celebrated cultural figures".

He added: "We have always argued that boycotts do nothing to encourage dialogue and peace in a complex and troubled region. We encourage people to channel their energies and efforts into supporting groups which promote co-existence and mutual respect.”