While the announced cancelation of two performances in Israel by five time Grammy winner Elvis Costello will not impact the chareidi community, the announcement by the British superstar adds yet another name to the growing list of performers joining the cultural boycott against Israel.

The superstar was to make his debut performance on June 30, followed by a second performance on July 1st. He blames the conflict between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) for his decision. Interestingly, his Canadian wife, Diana Krall, is scheduled to perform in Israel on August 4th. For now, she has not indicated plans to cancel.

On his official website, a message was posted saying “There are occasions when merely having your name added to a concert schedule may be interpreted as a political act that resonates more than anything that might be sung, and it may be assumed that one has no mind for the suffering of the innocent.”

Minister of Culture & Sport (Likud) Limor Livnat condemned his decision, adding “a performer who boycotts his fans in Israel is unworthy of performing for them”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)