Arthur Stark, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following statement:
We have written to the sponsors of the concerts being given by Roger Waters (the co-founder and lead bassist of the band Pink Floyd) in Mexico in the coming days and thereafter, in several South American countries. We have urged them to withdraw their sponsorship in view of the hostile, bigoted, and anti-Semitic comments made by Mr. Waters on numerous occasions. He continues to espouse these offensive views – and should not be given a stage to spread his anti-Israel and anti-Jewish messages.
In the aftermath of the events in Pittsburgh and with the rise of anti-Semitism globally it is essential that we speak up clearly and demand zero tolerance of intolerance, no excuses and no exceptions. Those who purchase tickets should know the nature of the person they are supporting. And we believe the vast majority would not want to do so. Mr. Waters has not only espoused his views but he has pushed other entertainers to boycott Israel, often using extreme methods and pressure. His comments are not based on a criticism of a particular policy, but of Israel’s right to exist.
We call on elected officials in all the countries where Waters will appear to make clear their rejection of his offensive and inciteful comments.
;
