Big Thief have announced plans to perform two concerts in Tel Aviv, the hometown of bassist Max Oleartchik, and explained the decision in an Instagram post by stating that they wish to share their "homes, families and friends with each other in order to gain a deeper understanding of one another and the people and places that have made [them] who [they] are."
"It is important for us to go where we have family to share space and play for them. It is foundational. It is in that spirit that we made our decision to play in Israel," the band wrote. They went on to acknowledge the "cultural aspect of the BDS movement and the desperate reality of the Palestinian people."
Big Thief continued in the post:
In terms of where we fit into the boycott, we don't claim to know where the moral high ground lies and we want to remain open to other people's perspectives and to love beyond disagreement. We understand the inherently political nature of playing there as well as the implications. Our intention is not to diminish the values of those who support the boycott or to turn a blind eye to those suffering. We are striving to be in the spirit of learning.
The band concluded the post by stating that they intend to donate all profits from the shows to "NGOs that provide medical and humanitarian aid to Palestinian children, including joint efforts between Palestinians and Israelis working together for a better future."
The announcement has largely been met with disapproval, evident in the comments section, which has been flooded with the flag of Palestine and messages of disappointment from fans.
Read the full post below.
"It is important for us to go where we have family to share space and play for them. It is foundational. It is in that spirit that we made our decision to play in Israel," the band wrote. They went on to acknowledge the "cultural aspect of the BDS movement and the desperate reality of the Palestinian people."
Big Thief continued in the post:
In terms of where we fit into the boycott, we don't claim to know where the moral high ground lies and we want to remain open to other people's perspectives and to love beyond disagreement. We understand the inherently political nature of playing there as well as the implications. Our intention is not to diminish the values of those who support the boycott or to turn a blind eye to those suffering. We are striving to be in the spirit of learning.
The band concluded the post by stating that they intend to donate all profits from the shows to "NGOs that provide medical and humanitarian aid to Palestinian children, including joint efforts between Palestinians and Israelis working together for a better future."
The announcement has largely been met with disapproval, evident in the comments section, which has been flooded with the flag of Palestine and messages of disappointment from fans.
Read the full post below.