By, Jennifer Lipman
1 min read
ByJennifer Lipman, Jennifer Lipman
More than 150 Hollywood stars have voiced their support for Israeli artists refusing to perform in the West Bank.
Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon, along with playwright Tony Kushner and British actress and well-known activist Vanessa Redgrave, have all signed a letter drafted by an American organisation known as the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP).
In August a group of Israeli artists, actors and academics announced that they would boycott performances at the Ariel cultural centre in the West Bank as a symbol of their opposition to the settlements.
Several high profile names, including the left-wing writer Amos Oz, lent their support.
The letter from JVP praised “the brave decision not to perform in Ariel” and said: “We salute our Israeli counterparts for their courageous decision.
"When a group of people suddenly have the clarity of mind to see that the next compromise looming up before them is an unbearable one, and when they somehow find the strength to refuse to cross that line – we can't help but be overjoyed and inspired and grateful.
“They made a wonderful decision and they deserve the respect of people everywhere who dream of justice. We stand with them."
Last week four Israelis from the West Bank were killed by a Hamas gunman.