By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - In a display of solidarity with the people of Palestine, some of Scotland's most prominent cultural figures joined hands to announce a boycott of Israel.
"In response to the call from Palestinian civil society for a cultural boycott of Israel, we pledge to reject any invitation to perform or exhibit in Israel, nor to accept any funding from any institution linked to the government of Israel, or to participate in events supported by the military and arms companies enabling war in Palestine," a joint statement said.
Among the notable signatories of the Scottish Cultural Workers Boycott of Israel are musicians like Young Fathers, Kathryn Joseph, and Jill O’Sullivan; artists including Hanna Tuulikki, George Finlay Ramsay and Jamie Wardrop; poets Iona Lee and Jim Monaghan; filmmakers Morag McKinnon and Samir Mehanovic.
"As cultural workers we refuse to allow our art to be exploited by an apartheid state that disregards international law and universal principles of human rights," the statement said.
James Kelman, the celebrated author behind works such as Dirt Road, A Disaffection, and How Late It Was, How Late, expressed his support for the Palestinian cause, denouncing the atrocities committed by the Israeli State.
He emphasized the importance of standing with the Palestinian people in the face of what he described as a “genocide.”
"What else can I do but stand with the Palestinian people. The monstrosities committed by the Israeli State not so much denies their right to live in their own place, it denies their humanity. The Israeli State is saying to the world the Palestinian people have no value, they are worthless, we can do as we wish. This is what happens during a genocide," he said.
"Imperialist authority demonstrates to indigenous peoples that they are inferior forms of humanity. The British State fails to act to put an end to the slaughter and is therefore guilty of aiding and abetting in barbarism. The people of Britain must say no to this. We must express our solidarity with the people of Palestine. Their lifeblood is in this struggle," he added.
The joint statement also demanded an immediate cease-fire and increased humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the release of all hostages and political prisoners.