Noa: “I am not afraid of aggressive campaign of silencing”
NIF CEO Sokatch: “I’m disappointed Jewish community would cave to intimidation”

This week, a Detroit synagogue cancelled a planned performance by internationally-acclaimed Israeli musician Achinoam “Noa” Nini. In an email to congregants, the synagogue cited “several credible threats of protest and demonstration” which caused the organizers to cancel the event.

Noa is a member of the board of directors of the New Israel Fund (NIF). In response to the cancellation and threats to stage similar protests at other performances on her current U.S. tour, Noa and NIF CEO Daniel Sokatch released the following statements:

Achinoam “Noa” Nini, NIF Board: “I’m saddened and outraged to see that this aggressive campaign of silencing, which we know too well from the extremist fringe in Israel, has made its way to the American Jewish community as well. But I am not afraid. Fear and silence stand in the way of democracy, equality, peace, and our Jewish value of standing with the weak among us. I look forward to many more events with the American Jewish community of courage and conscience I know so well.”

Daniel Sokatch, NIF CEO: “Bullies and bigots have threatened one of Israel’s most prominent artists because she has the audacity to call for peace, democracy, and equality for Israelis and Palestinians, and I’m disappointed that a Jewish community would cave to intimidation from thugs. Noa’s voice will not be silenced. We will not be able to confront the occupation and build Israel’s future if we fall in line with the campaign of silencing and intimidation led by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his allies. This is a wake-up call and an opportunity for Jewish communities to refuse to cower to political persecution, and to welcome progressive voices and difficult but necessary conversations.”

For additional information and interviews, please contact Sharon Goldtzvik, [email protected] / 202.500.6362.