Jewish musicians attract protest

By STUART DYE

About 50 pro-Palestine campaigners gathered outside the Auckland Town Hall last night to protest against Jewish musicians.

The group called on the Jerusalem Quartet to denounce the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Demonstrators waved banners and flags, and chanted at concert-goers.

"We have asked the quartet to speak out and condemn the actions and policies of the Israeli Government," said organiser Tuma Hazou, of the Palestine Human Rights Campaigners. "The request has been ignored.

"Perhaps you should not mix music and politics, but there comes a point when you have to take a stand."

Mr Hazou was born in Jerusalem but fled with his family when he was 10. He later worked as a journalist, covering the fighting for 15 years, and has lived in New Zealand for six years.

He said a person with Jewish ancestry could settle in Jerusalem, but he was banned from his homeland.

"There are hundreds and thousands of Israelis who have stood up to their Government and said this is wrong.

"All we want is for these musicians to have that same sense of social responsibility."