“Florida’s Jewish Radio Show” Blacklists 14 Klezmer Bands

July 16, 2010 - PRLog -- Shalom South Florida, “Florida’s Jewish Radio Show,” has responded to the new CD compilation “Klezmer Musicians Against the Wall” (http://www.kmaw.net/) by stating “We will no longer feature any artist/band who appears on this CD.”  This blacklisting of the 14 American and European klezmer (Eastern European Jewish folk music) bands appears to be an attempt to stifle dissent, though the short email from Shalom producer Roni (http://www.shalomsouthflorida.com/) to KMAW producer Nick Cooper gave no explanation.

   “Jewish communities have long histories of internal debate and disagreement over the important issues of the day. The stifling of discussion and dissent within today’s Jewish community does not strengthen or protect it. We welcome the support of individuals and groups that value open discussion.”
Claire Bergen of The Shpil / third-generation klezmer: claire@kmaw.net

   The 14 bands’ collective statement is quoted below. Apparently now they will be blacklisted for it.

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Klezmer Musicians Against the Wall oppose discrimination, injustice, and brutality against living beings. We support opposition to Israeli apartheid and occupation through non-violent protest, targeted boycotts, civil disobedience, and direct action. We encourage the international community to join us. Musicians know how people from different cultures can build bridges, not walls.