American Jewish singer Matisyahu will play his gig at the Rototom festival this Saturday, the organizers of the reggae festival confirmed to 'Radio Sefarad' in Madrid, the radio station of the Spanish Jewish community, on Friday.
Following pressure from the anti-Israel BDS movement, the festival organizers had disinvited Matisyahu last week after he refused to sign a declaration stating his unequivocal support for the Palestinians. He was the only artist who was asked to sign such a declaration.
Both the World Jewish Congress (WJC) and the Spanish Jewish community had expressed outrage over the decision, calling it “anti-Semitic” and an infringement of anti-discrimination laws. On Wednesday, the organizers of Europe’s largest reggae festival apologized and said they would re-invite the singer.
Also on Wednesday, Matisyahu called WJC President Ronald Lauder and thanked him for his and the WJC’s efforts on this matter.
Meanwhile, campaigners of the Spanish BDS movement accused the Rototom festival of "ceding to blackmail and pressure" to readmit Matisyahu to the list of performers at the festival. Around 70 anti-Israel organizations said in a press release Thursday that the organizers had given in to “blackmail, diffamation and political pressure” and to “accusations of anti-Semitism by Israel and the powerful Zionist lobby which wields its influence at the highest levels of the Spanish State."
On Tuesday, WJC President Ronald Lauder sent a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in which he asked him to speak out against the decision to bar Matisyahu. A day later, the festival apologized and reinstated the singer.
Matisyahu thanks supporters
After the announcement that he would play his gig in Spain, Matisyahu posted on Friday afternoon on his Facebook page the following message: "Today, music wins. Freedom of expression wins." The singer thanked his supporters and fans and added: "I have always believed in the power of music to unite all people, regardless of religion, politics or geography. This was an excruciating decision, as I felt that my core, essential being was being used as a pawn for political convenience. It is my deep conviction however that acceptance and the ability for rebirth allow us to move forward.
"The incredible outpouring of worldwide support from fans and organizations who rose up as one to protest the intrusion of politics into a borderless celebration of music has been humbling. My deepest thanks to the worldwide community for rallying to the cause of musical freedom. Most of all, thank you to my incredible fans and to so many people of all faiths who refused to remain silent in the name of artistic freedom. This is your victory. - Matis"
