The Martha Wainwright visit

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Here is the latest statement from The Trades Club about 26 November when Martha Wainwright is to play at the Trades Club.

There has been some local controversy around Martha Wainwright's performance at the Trades Club on Wednesday 26th November 2014. There is unhappiness that Martha has recently played in Israel and some people have tried to persuade the club to cancel the gig on this basis.

The Trades Club Committee takes this issue very seriously, has considered the matter diligently and will continue to do so. We support the call of the Palestinian people for a cultural boycott against Israeli government institutions and organisations connected with the state of Israel. From our communication with those involved in formulating and campaigning on the boycott, in Palestine and in this country, we understand that the campaign does not call for individuals who have played in Israel to be boycotted.

The information from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) is that "the Palestinian boycott, unlike the South African cultural boycott, is institutional and does not target individuals as such" (PACBI Guidelines 2014). In this light, and because we are under contractual and financial obligations, the gig is proceeding. We recognise the uneasy position however, especially in view of the recent bombardment of Gaza, and have already stated that the club will not profit from the gig and will donate any proceeds to Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP).

The Trades Club has a long history of supporting those who seek a just settlement and resolution of the Israel/Palestine conflict. That proud tradition continues. We have offered the Palestine Solidarity Campaign the opportunity to fly the Palestinian flag at the club for one week a year, and to use the opportunity to run a week of education, campaigning and fundraising. If you would like to be further involved in the club's efforts on behalf of Palestine you could watch the programme for upcoming events, or buy tickets for The Love Machine, (a regular dance night and benefit/fundraising vehicle of the Club Committee) which is raising money for MAP on Friday the 19th December.