Amsterdam: Over 300 Dutch and Belgian cultural and arts institutions have announced a cultural boycott of Israel over the latter's genocidal war on Gaza and occupation of the West Bank.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the boycott involves 302 museums, arts and cultural organizations, along with 878 individual artists from the Netherlands and Belgium. They have collectively voiced that the cultural sector can no longer remain silent in the face of what they describe as 'war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide recognized by all competent authorities.'
The statement from the cultural sector emphasized their refusal to remain passive in light of what they perceive as genocide against the Palestinian people. Among the Dutch participants are prominent institutions such as TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht, the Bonnefanten museum in Maastricht, the Oostpool theatre in Arnhem, and the Nederlands Theater Festival in Amsterdam. Notable signatories include artist Marlene Dumas, writer Tom Lanoye, and choreographer Alain Platel.
The boycott specifically targets Israeli cultural organizations and companies with state connections, particularly those receiving subsidies. Exemptions will be made for organizations that are 'not complicit in the breach of international law and have spoken out against the genocide, the recognized illegal occupation and apartheid.'
The statement highlighted the historical impact of cultural boycotts, referencing their role in ending apartheid in South Africa. It pointed out that over 5,000 film professionals and 400 musicians have recently undertaken similar actions against Israeli institutions.
The declaration acknowledged that the cultural boycott alone may not end the genocide and occupation but called on other sectors such as sports, academia, business, and politics to join in severing ties. The collective action aims to pressure Israel to adhere to international law.
