Israeli dancers avoid Edinburgh festival over safety worries

“Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has decided to cancel the performances of the student dance company which were scheduled for August 9-12 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe,” the university says.

“The decision was taken in light of the intentions of anti-Israel protesters to demonstrate against Operation Protective Edge and at the urging of the venue’s operator.”

According to the university, the primary concern is for the dancers’ safety.

“The personal safety of the members of the dance company is the most important factor and we will certainly not compromise on that in any way. We received warnings that their participation could endanger the dancers; therefore, in consultation with the relevant parties, we made the hard decision not to send the company to the planned performances in Edinburgh,” explains BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi.

“It is a shame that this is the state of affairs – where artistic freedom of expression is being sorely tested. The company has no connection to politics, but everything has become highly politicized. Considering the quality of the company, its withdrawal from the festival is a loss to all art lovers and we are dismayed at the necessity.”

The university also noted the troubled history of Israeli performers being forced out of the festival.

“After the Israeli play ‘This City’ by the Incubator Theater was targeted by protesters, which disrupted nearby performances as well, the venue’s operator canceled further performances until an alternate venue could be located. The group is currently performing on the street after having failed to find a hall ready to host it.”