The Musicians’ Union (MU) in the UK has issued a statement in response to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. During a meeting with the MU’s Executive Committee, it was decided to donate funds to the Red Cross to support humanitarian efforts on the ground in the region. Additionally, funds are to be donated to the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which educates young Israeli and Palestinian musicians and has been affected by the conflict.
The MU’s statement stressed the importance of the orchestra’s mission to bring together individuals impacted by war through music. It also called for an end to war and violence and expressed support for the TUC and UN’s calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East.
The statement further condemned the increase in hate, discrimination, harassment, and cancelled work faced by MU members in light of events in the Middle East, stating that antisemitic and Islamophobic behavior is unacceptable.
Over 4,000 musicians have previously signed a letter calling for a ceasefire in the region, with the MU now joining a growing number of institutions calling for an end to the violence.
Read the full statement by the Musician’s Union here.
Becky Buckle is Mixmag’s Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter
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