Two Palestinian groups ask McCartney to cancel Tel Aviv show

Two Palestinian groups have called on Paul McCartney to cancel his upcoming Tel Aviv concert, reports the Jerusalem Post. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has requested the show be canceled because "Palestinian dispossession and Israeli apartheid are no cause for celebration." In a press release, the group said that "since the creation of this state 60 years ago, [Israel] dispossessed and uprooted hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and lands, condemning them to a life of exile and destitution."

"Performing in Israel at this time is morally equivalent to performing in South Africa at the height of the apartheid era... We strongly urge you to uphold the values of freedom, equality and just peace for all by joining this growing boycott against Israeli apartheid. Nothing less would do justice to the legendary legacy of the Beatles."

Meanwhile, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has composed a letter which it wants supporters to send to McCartney's management, asking him to reconsider coming to Tel Aviv.

"As I'm sure you are aware, the State of Israel continues to breach international and human rights law by its illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza and treatment of the Palestinian people. As well as the constant attacks by the Israeli army and armed settlers, Palestinian land is systematically stolen, houses demolished and crops destroyed," said the letter. "Your music has always been associated with hopeful and free aspirations; this reputation will undoubtedly be tarnished should this concert go ahead."

In response, the UK branch of Israel advocacy organization StandWithUs sent a letter to McCartney asking him not to cancel.

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