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J.K. Rowling, Hilary Mantel and Other Celebrities Sign Letter Opposing Cultural Boycott of Israel

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Author J.K. Rowling Visits The Empire State Building
Founder and President of Lumos and Patron of Lumos USA/ Author J.K. Rowling ceremoniously lights the Empire State Building in LumosÕ colors of purple, blue and white to mark the US launch of her non-profit organization at The Empire State Building in New York City, on April 9, 2015.Cindy Ord—Getty Images
By Sarah Begley

A group of more than 150 U.K. artists has signed a letter opposing a cultural boycott of Israel, counting among its supporters J.K. Rowling, Hilary Mantel and Simon Schama.

The letter, published in The Guardian, comes in response to a previous letter published in the same place in which 700 U.K. artists called for a cultural boycott of Israel in February. “We do not believe cultural boycotts are acceptable,” says the response, “or that the letter you published accurately represents opinion in the cultural world in the U.K.”

The new group has decided to support the launch of a “Culture for Coexistence,” which will “encourage dialogue about Israel and the Palestinians in the wider cultural and creative community. While we may not all share the same views on the policies of the Israeli government, we all share a desire for peaceful coexistence.”

[The Guardian]

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