PACBI Statement

Press Release: Paul McCartney Embraces Israeli Apartheid

September 15, 2008
In a recent media interview McCartney confessed, "I was approached by different groups and political bodies who asked me not to come here. I refused. I do what I think, and I have many friends who support Israel." Public opinion in the UK, however, does not support Israel's occupation and violation of international law. Media reports revealed, furthermore, that many in Liverpool itself are apprehensive towards McCartney's gig in Israel.

In a recent media interview McCartney confessed, "I was approached by different groups and political bodies who asked me not to come here. I refused. I do what I think, and I have many friends who support Israel." Public opinion in the UK, however, does not support Israel's occupation and violation of international law. Media reports revealed, furthermore, that many in Liverpool itself are apprehensive towards McCartney's gig in Israel. Now Sir Paul will have far fewer friends across the world, those who still uphold human rights and abhor apartheid.

Adding insult to injury, McCartney told the media, "I've heard so many great things about Tel Aviv and Israel, but hearing is one thing and experiencing it for yourself is another." Hadn't he heard even greater things about Sun City in South Africa, too? Would that have been enough for him to ignore the South African anti-apartheid movement's call for boycott?

Israel is recognized by the United Nations and the overwhelming majority of nations across the world as a repressive occupying power that maintains illegal colonies in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT) and persistently violates international law.

Despite our denunciation of Paul McCartney's effective complicity in covering up Israel's occupation and system of racial oppression, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) strongly and unequivocally condemns any violent threats made against him or, for that matter, against any other cultural or academic figure who decides to visit Israel in violation of the Palestinian boycott of Israel. As a civil resistance movement whose message is anchored in an unwavering commitment to universal human rights and ethical responsibility, we strive to persuade people, to appeal to their minds and hearts to boycott Israel -- through campaigns of public awareness raising and non-violent pressure -- due to its occupation, racist oppression and unique system of apartheid.

[url=http://www.PACBI.org]www.PACBI.org[/url]

Media inquiries: [email]info@Boycottisrael.ps[/email]

September 15, 2008
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