Stones’ Israel gig ‘equivalent to performing in apartheid S. Africa’

JERUSALEM: The Rolling Stones announced plans Tuesday for an Israeli concert in June, prompting pro-Palestinian activists promoting a boycott of the country to say that would be equivalent to performing in apartheid South Africa.
To jubilation from the Israeli media, a spokeswoman for the British rock icons said the band will perform in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on June 4 as part of its forthcoming European tour.
But a spokesman for the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions committee noted that the Stones had been vocal opponents of racial segregation in South Africa, saying Israel also practices apartheid.
“Palestinian organizations urge the Rolling Stones to refrain from playing in apartheid Israel and not to condone Israel’s violations of international law and human rights against the Palestinian people,”Rafeef Ziadah wrote.
“The Rolling Stones were at the forefront of enforcing a cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa, but performing in Israel at this time is morally equivalent to performing in South Africa during the apartheid era.”
After months of rumors of an impending first-ever visit by the band, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012, Israeli media were jubilant.
“It’s official! The Rolling Stones are coming to Tel Aviv,” proclaimed Haaretz daily’s website.
It said Israeli promoter Shuki Weiss, once quoted as saying he would retire after bringing the Stones to Israel, had guaranteed the band $6.7 million (4.9 million euros) for the one-night stand.