Coldplay in Israel

[alisbe]

I don't know what to think about that photo but I can see they weren't comfortable there. They aren't smiling like in other photos. Whoever planned the trip shouldn't have put that place on the list. Maybe I just want to believe they aren't able to say no to whatever they are proposed to do for promoting peace.

[Safy]

the same girl who posted the infamous photo with tags peace & love has said she talked to Chris' closest friend in Israel & he has confirmed that a concert is a go. see also her replies here..( representative of apartheid & discrimination).

[gai]

that photo was disappointing.. but i wouldn't take the word of a very biased person (see above) that chris and jonny visited a military base. could have been part of the troops that escorted the band around as well. the only credible reports so far have been from the love button org instagram. even the band is very eager to shoot down any pr announcements people they may or may not be involved with over there are putting out. they show that they are aware of the weight of their actions in such a conflicted region. i'll still be waiting for official outcome of these trips.

[AMDB9]

[ATTACH=full]6782[/ATTACH]

 

Visit...

So not just a random meeting

That is broken English, so who knows if "visit" is the right word to use

[fakfak]

the same girl who posted the infamous photo with tags peace & love has said she talked to Chris' closest friend in Israel & he has confirmed that a concert is a go. see also her replies here..( representative of apartheid & discrimination).

 

Until an official announcement of date(s) comes from the band, I wouldn't say it's a done deal. There have been multiple occasions in the past where promoters and/or local media have "confirmed" the band would be touring a given area only to have nothing ever materialize.

[Nie]

the same girl who posted the infamous photo with tags peace & love has said she talked to Chris' closest friend in Israel & he has confirmed that a concert is a go. see also her replies here..( representative of apartheid & discrimination).

I'll wait for official news about a concert in Israel.

 

But reading that girls comment --> disgusting! [emoji44]

[I ran away]

Well, I have to say it crossed my mind as well that that girl may outright be lying about the 'military base visit' (i bet this was rather taken at a military checkpoint they passed or something; doesn't make the photo any better, but still) to support her own (in the above FB comment, frankly racist) views. Also, she could be lying to make herself important (in a Tweet she also claims to 'know' "Chris's best friend in Israel", some big shot CEO called Eitan Bar Zeev who was in the picture with Chris in Rawabi - unlikely at least).

[coldplayisawesome]

Well, I have to say it crossed my mind as well that that girl may outright be lying about the 'military base visit' (i bet this was rather taken at a military checkpoint they passed or something; doesn't make the photo any better, but still) to support her own (in the above FB comment, frankly racist) views. Also, she could be lying to make herself important (in a Tweet she also claims to 'know' "Chris's best friend in Israel", some big shot CEO called Eitan Bar Zeev who was in the picture with Chris in Rawabi - unlikely at least).

 

yeah, i was reading through her instagram posts because i realized the picture wasn't hers. she kept posting about trying to find where Chris was to go meet him :uhoh:

[fakfak]

Well, I have to say it crossed my mind as well that that girl may outright be lying about the 'military base visit' (i bet this was rather taken at a military checkpoint they passed or something; doesn't make the photo any better, but still) to support her own (in the above FB comment, frankly racist) views. Also, she could be lying to make herself important (in a Tweet she also claims to 'know' "Chris's best friend in Israel", some big shot CEO called Eitan Bar Zeev who was in the picture with Chris in Rawabi - unlikely at least).

 

I think people are losing sight of the fact that they have to respect the power structures in place if they want to get anywhere as far as setting up a concert. You can't go into a country and thumb your nose at them if you expect to be welcomed.

[gai]

so these trips to israel has nothing to do with global citizen. and sounds like the doctor who founded the love button org is behind the introductions to get band to perform in israel. and the band is having cold feet. the peace ceremony this trip makes more sense. at least glad that the band is willing to better understand the situation by visiting the countries.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4928341,00.html

[Batman]

oh shit. that ain't good. at all. :worried:

I hate it when big bands go all political. It's like the the safest way to make enemies.

 

Totally unnecessary.

[nvdmm]

I think I should just leave what I said in the Oldplaying thread here:

 

So people are noticing the band's love-in with Israel and news is fast spreading. Taking pictures with Israeli military personnel doesn't help! I thought the boys are all about love and peace and harmony!

 

A trip to the other side won't hurt.

Wow. Now it's time for a happy photo in front of illegal construction of settlements! This is getting more fucking inappropriate by the day!

Wait, is this an illegal settlement ?? I really hope not. I thought it was Rawabi, the new planned Palestinian town in the West Bank (a luxury town from what I've heard though, and hardly representative of the state of living in Palestine - a trip of Chris and Jonny to some bombed houses in Gaza or an overflowing refugee camp wouldn't hurt to get things into perspective).

About the military photo, yes, it is unexcusable imho.

Some fans from Twitter have sent the band short messages via social media or the official form on the website expressing their concern, I thought that was a good idea, maybe you want to join in as well @nvdmm ?

Not that it's gonna change anything, but it's better if they at least are aware that fans do care about such things, and not just Guy's current haircut and who Chris is dating at the moment.

The construction of housing units in Rawabi commenced a long while ago and is nearly over as far as I know. The project is being built by Palestinians and funded by Palestinians with the help of joint investment from middle eastern and other Muslim countries. Israel has nothing to do with it and in fact they've been trying viciously to halt or otherwise interrupt the project. The people in the photo and taking the photo are Israelis so I very much doubt that's Rawabi.

 

From what I can see in the photo it looks like the newer construction sites in the occupied west bank. And I doubt sending messages will help. Neither the band nor their management team seem to be interested in what people think.

Please don't hesitate to start a conversation with me on this issue. But before you do, have you visited Palestine or the occupied territory? How many books (not articles on the net or comment sections or journals) have you read on this issue? Have you traveled to the middle east in the past 10 years? Have you been involved in voluntary relief work in the ME, working with Project Hope for instance? How much of your knowledge is based on information released by media outlets or content in the education sector?

[I ran away]

Yeah, this is the right thread for this discussion. I'm also gonna put my most recent answer as a quote here to have it complete:

 

If I were you I'd send a short message anyway...just to show that we care. :)

Also, I have looked into this now to clear it up for good now - it is Rawabi, I'm hundred percent sure. See the distinct form of the buildings and notably the (minaret ?) tower on the right. On this photo of Rawabi you can see it's the same as the background of the Coldplay photo:https://www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http://info.arte.tv/sites/default/files/atoms/image/opa/066875-000_2214478_32_200.jpg&imgrefurl=http://info.arte.tv/de/rawabi-die-palaestinensische-antwort-auf-den-israelischen-siedlungsbau&docid=V3VqHsU9fEOFFM&tbnid=xgVbjohVdZRhSM:&vet=1&w=940&h=530&bih=723&biw=1467&q=Rawabi&ved=0ahUKEwjo5NvfqrPSAhXFBywKHRy3C004ZBAzCBYoFDAU&iact=mrc&uact=8#h=530&imgrc=xgVbjohVdZRhSM:&vet=1&w=940

Also, Chris has confirmed they have been to Palestine and because all the other photos show them in Israeli locations, this fits.

[nvdmm]

Yeah, this is the right thread for this discussion. I'm also gonna put my most recent answer as a quote here to have it complete:

If I were you I'd send a short message anyway...just to show that we care. :)

Also, I have looked into this now to clear it up for good now - it is Rawabi, I'm hundred percent sure. See the distinct form of the buildings and notably the (minaret ?) tower on the right. On this photo of Rawabi you can see it's the same as the background of the Coldplay photo:https://www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http://info.arte.tv/sites/default/files/atoms/image/opa/066875-000_2214478_32_200.jpg&imgrefurl=http://info.arte.tv/de/rawabi-die-palaestinensische-antwort-auf-den-israelischen-siedlungsbau&docid=V3VqHsU9fEOFFM&tbnid=xgVbjohVdZRhSM:&vet=1&w=940&h=530&bih=723&biw=1467&q=Rawabi&ved=0ahUKEwjo5NvfqrPSAhXFBywKHRy3C004ZBAzCBYoFDAU&iact=mrc&uact=8#h=530&imgrc=xgVbjohVdZRhSM:&vet=1&w=940

Also, Chris has confirmed they have been to Palestine and because all the other photos show them in Israeli locations, this fits.

You are absolutely correct. With more research it turns out IT IS indeed Rawabi, and contrary to what people said on social media the people are NOT all Israelis and are in fact producers or other individuals trying to get the band to perform, one of them being Eitan Bar Zeev, the CEO of BIG shopping centers.

 

I am now ready to take back my skepticism. If the band circumvent the political waters fairly they can send the right message and be the first band to perform for both Palestinians and Israelis. The magnitude of such event is remarkable. Let's hope it happens.

[Safy]

I think I should just leave what I said in the Oldplaying thread here:

 

 

 

 

 

Please don't hesitate to start a conversation with me on this issue. But before you do, have you visited Palestine or the occupied territory? How many books (not articles on the net or comment sections or journals) have you read on this issue? Have you traveled to the middle east in the past 10 years? Have you been involved in voluntary relief work in the ME, working with Project Hope for instance? How much of your knowledge is based on information released by media outlets or content in the education sector?

 

I am sorry but this sounds like a job application that one should not apply for unless they fit all the criteria..We all come from different backgrounds & rely on different sources to form an opinion. Here we share our opinions, hopefully in a civil way. Please share your opinion if you want to, but do not expect others to have the same amount of knowledge you seem to have about the matter..

 

 

Anyway, there are so many things going in my mind about this whole issue but now I am too exhausted to write them down. Just 2 quick comments:

 

- the link @gai posted is very troubling. One should ask why are promoters so keen on bringing Coldplay to the region & what message will it convey? How does the band not know that the visits/ concerts are being used for propaganda? & why are letting it happen?

also if I understood correctly, what kind of doctor that influences his patients to serve a certain agenda??

 

- so far we haven't heard from any Palestinian source on the matter. The only one talking are the BDS movement & they are against the idea. I get why some people advocate peace concerts/ or concerts for both sides, but if the Palestinians themselves are asking for the cultural boycotting of occupation. Why would Coldplay (or any other artist) think they know better?

 

[MEDIA=twitter]836634593688182784[/MEDIA]

Mobile Link: https://twitter.com/BDSmovement/status/836634593688182784

[I ran away]

Hmmm....

 

http://everything-pr.com/pr-happenings-nadir-oz-mwwpr/87158/

[Safy]

Hmmm....

 

http://everything-pr.com/pr-happenings-nadir-oz-mwwpr/87158/

 

every other source than the band have confirmed the concert(s) rumour, but some are still waiting for the band itself to announce it. I expect the announcement to be after the European tour leg.

 

Anyway, since this topic has resurfaced, let me share here an opinion article that I came across while searching (in vain) for photos of the band with any Palestinian in their alleged visit to "Palestine". the article is not actually new, but it demonstrates a few things:

- clearly by numerous collaborations & investments, the band is totally against the idea of BDS

- posting a link to a song was considered a form of support, & the same goes for any involvement/ endorsement or visits to either sides of the conflict. You can not escape political engagements in this region & say you are here just for the music & fans because it will be considered as support for one side, & it will anger the other.

 

Coldplay Apparently Not So Committed To The Anti-Israel Cause

 

Back in 2011, British band Coldplay played dirty when it posted a pro palestinian song on its Facebook page. And even though they later removed the song from their page, the initial post, as well as the fact they have not played in Israel, might lead one to conclude they are BDSHoles.

 

But not so fast. Last year, they invested in an Israeli company. And now comes news they employed an Israeli visual design company to produce their latest video clip.

 

The new hit music video of “Hymn for the Weekend,” performed by Beyonce and the British rock group Coldplay, was produced with visual design by Israelis from Yaron Yashinski Studio. The work on the video, which attracted 18 million views online in just two days, is among the most prestigious projects ever undertaken by an Israeli firm of its kind.

 

The clip itself was filmed in Mumbai, India, but all of the stages of its design, animation and additional visual elements were carried out over a three-month period in Israel by an eight-person team. Yaron Yashinski himself is a former animator who now owns and runs the visual effects and design studio. He received the commission together with a Los Angeles-based Israeli partner, Uzi Mor.

 

 

 

by the way, I've been reading the comments of Palestinians on this concert rumour & all I read was against or mocking the idea. To this day, not a single photo with any Palestinian has appeared (perhaps because they probably haven't met any). So please Coldplay, when you announce your planned concert, don't try to decorate it with saying things in behalf of Palestinians, because you haven't listened to them or cared about what they think.

[Captain Crieff]

every other source than the band have confirmed the concert(s) rumour, but some are still waiting for the band itself to announce it. I expect the announcement to be after the European tour leg.

 

Anyway, since this topic has resurfaced, let me share here an opinion article that I came across while searching (in vain) for photos of the band with any Palestinian in their alleged visit to "Palestine". the article is not actually new, but it demonstrates a few things:

- clearly by numerous collaborations & investments, the band is totally against the idea of BDS

- posting a link to a song was considered a form of support, & the same goes for any involvement/ endorsement or visits to either sides of the conflict. You can not escape political engagements in this region & say you are here just for the music & fans because it will be considered as support for one side, & it will anger the other.

 

It was Dave Holmes who in invested in that app and he never used Coldplay's name, the media did. (no idea what on earth Dave was thinking though) https://www.techinasia.com/companies/music-messenger http://www.jcount.com/music-messenger-raises-30-m/

I suppose the Israeli guy producing the HFTW video does show they're not completely pro "Boycott everything Israel related", but the song they shared back in 2011 was literally called "Freedom for Palestine", clearly a form of support imo (while working with an Israeli to make a music video doesn't look like supporting Israel I think (or certainly less so than if they would post a song called "Israel is Fantastic" or whatever))

 

edit: and if we're going to mention everything they ever did related to Israel or Palestine, there's also this http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/coldp...en-loom-band/story-22713924-detail/story.html

[gai]

why not wait until we actually see what the objectives of these trips are? seriously. it's getting pretty tiring.

and @Safy trying to allege that coldplay never visited palestine doesn't help when chris and jonny mentioned several times they were visitng "israel and palestine". none of us were there. all we have is their word and multiple articles saying they did visit both. let's just chill and wait for the ep. or actual news on these trips/outcomes.

[I ran away]

They did visit Rawabi, but it's indeed a bit strange that no photo with a Palestinian fan turned up. I think the most likely explanation is they were like 80% of the time In Israel and only marginally in Palestine.

Well, anyway, we have to wait and see.

[Safy]

It was Dave Holmes who in invested in that app and he never used Coldplay's name, the media did. (no idea what on earth Dave was thinking though) https://www.techinasia.com/companies/music-messenger http://www.jcount.com/music-messenger-raises-30-m/

I suppose the Israeli guy producing the HFTW video does show they're not completely pro "Boycott everything Israel related", but the song they shared back in 2011 was literally called "Freedom for Palestine", clearly a form of support imo (while working with an Israeli to make a music video doesn't look like supporting Israel I think (or certainly less so than if they would post a song called "Israel is Fantastic" or whatever))

 

edit: and if we're going to mention everything they ever did related to Israel or Palestine, there's also this http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/coldp...en-loom-band/story-22713924-detail/story.html

 

thanks for the links. I've recently come across a few articles & views about that shared video "Freedom For Palestine" years ago that were so horrific, full of racism & hatred towards the band!! There were things that made me shiver. I wished they had never ever entered this territory!

Unfortunately, this was years ago & all the recent evidences show a clear change of views & stances. Why & how? Can't really tell

 

why not wait until we actually see what the objectives of these trips are? seriously. it's getting pretty tiring.

and @Safy trying to allege that coldplay never visited palestine doesn't help when chris and jonny mentioned several times they were visitng "israel and palestine". none of us were there. all we have is their word and multiple articles saying they did visit both. let's just chill and wait for the ep. or actual news on these trips/outcomes.

 

I know dear that it might be tiring for you or anyone else to read on continuing skepticism & fear, but I can assure you that living under occupation & apartheid is much more tiring. Sorry though if my posts tired you. I debate with myself each time I write one, because I hate being that negative person all the way, & I hate politics & think as @Batman said that artists should not be involved in such a political mess, because they will anger a lot of people.

 

To me, the objectives of those trips is quite clear; performing a concert in Israel, whether we deny it or not, performing there is a political statement of support according to many, & these concerts are supported by the government

 

Israeli concert promoters are major players in the “Brand Israel” campaign, an Israeli governmental scheme to market a liberal image of the country in order to advance commerce and tourism, as well as to improve its international standing.

 

Promoters are specifically packaging Israel performances as gestures of humanist goodwill while deliberately downplaying or dismissing the BDS pressure prospective artists will face.

X

 

I didn't allege that Chris & Jonny didn't visit Palestine if that what was understood from my words. I meant that they let themselves be guided by Israeli promoters to certain designated places & were made to see what these promoters wanted them to see. So they think they have been to Palestine & they have been only to Rawabi (I don't even want to get into what that city symbloizes & serves because that is not the topic here) but certainly Rawabi as a one-off luxurious city does not represent at all what Palestine is or how the Palestinians are enduring the occupation. How would Chris & Jonny know that when they apparently haven't met any!!!

I imagine the promoters showing them Rawabi, & telling them this is Palestine, See how Palestinians enjoy a life of prosperity here? invited them to a so-called peace ceremony in the desert to show them how are they fond of peace & love!! I can't fathom how they fell for it!! How blind & naive could they be??

 

& apart from Chris note, where are the other several times they mentioned that visit? I am curious to know. Last I heard Jonny speak was in last year in Australia when they were on tour!!

 

I know you all want to wait & watch. I know it might be pointless to speak up. I know I want to believe your defense.

I don't want to lose my trust in my fav. band. I don't want to see them turn into some hypocrites who seek some easy money & advocate one thing and act against it.

I don't want them to claim they are against war & take pictures with armed soldiers belonging to an army guilty of war crimes.

I don't want them to say they support refugees & go support the regime that forcibly displaces them & denies them the right to return to their homeland.

I don't want them to say they are against racism & serve the agenda of an apartheid regime.

 

I might sound too dramatic, but I feel as if I am watching the band driving a fast car & heading fast into a deadly cliff they seem not to notice. All the signs show they are heading towards it & all I can do is wave my hands frantically & shout in the distance warning them to no avail! I could see them disappearing before my eyes & be gone forever :(((

This is why I can not wait & chill. I fear that the end is imminent, & my mind is pleading me to let go of these pointless effort, but I can't stop waving & shouting. Pathetic, isn't it?