The Chief Rabbi on the Tricycle Theatre & the UK Jewish Film Festival
7 AUGUST 2014
“I am deeply disappointed by the Tricycle’s decision to not host the 2014 Jewish Film Festival. To single-out the Jewish Film Festival and hold them to a different standard may not be rooted in antisemitism but the implications of such a divisive decision has and will have a profoundly negative impact on our community.
The Tricycle’s actions serve to punish a whole community and censor the arts based on a view it holds of a conflict elsewhere. It is ironic that an organisation which should pride itself on the importance of the arts in building bridges and bringing people together, is instead creating barriers to communities and peace.
I call upon those at the Tricycle to work with the Jewish community to seek alternative ways to positively affect this conflict, instead of fueling an environment of isolation and demonization. Together we can be creative, constructive and collaborative in our efforts to advance peace and understanding in the region.”
ווי געזאגט, נאך גרויס לחץ, האט דער טיאטער געמאלדן
A joint statement from the UKJFF and Tricycle Theatre:
‘Some weeks ago the UKJFF fell out, very publicly, with the Tricycle over a condition imposed by the Tricycle regarding funding. This provoked considerable public upset. Both organisations have come together to end that.
Following lengthy discussions between the Tricycle and UKJFF, the Tricycle has now withdrawn its objection and invited back the UK Jewish Film Festival on the same terms as in previous years with no restrictions on funding from the Embassy of Israel in London.
The UKJFF and the Tricycle have agreed to work together to rebuild their relationship and although the festival is not able to return in 2014, we hope to begin the process of rebuilding trust and confidence with a view to holding events in the future.
We both profoundly hope that those who take differing views on the events of the last few weeks will follow our lead and come together to acknowledge that dialogue, reconciliation and engagement will resolve points of difference and ensure that cultural diversity thrives in all communities.’
ברוך שמסר עולמו לשומרים.