SHOULD art convey a message? This debate has long been contentious, and British music icon Roger Waters has reignited it through his outspoken support for the Palestinian cause.
Speaking on the tragedy of Rafah, Waters directly addressed Israelis, saying, "You Israelis, you are a failed state. It's over, pack your bags and leave. It is time to do the right thing.”
He further urged them to return to Eastern Europe and America, leaving the land to its rightful owners, the Palestinians. This clip went viral, widely shared on platforms like WhatsApp.
Waters has been an unwavering advocate for Palestine, persisting despite threats and accusations of anti-Semitism due to his stance. He remains steadfast, consistently criticising the Israeli occupation for its acts of genocide against Palestinians and efforts to displace Gaza's population to the Sinai desert.
Waters’ support isn't new; it precedes (Toofan Al Aqsa) or (the Al Aqsa Flood) but has only strengthened since.
In an interview with American journalist Glenn Greenwald, he condemned Israeli crimes against Palestinians and reiterated his support for their struggle, highlighting Hamas' resistance as justified under the Geneva Convention.
Waters dons the Palestinian keffiyeh at his concerts worldwide, much to Israeli ire, and has notably refused to perform in occupied territories.
When asked by Haaretz about this, he bluntly stated: "I do not care about them, nor do I care if they attend my concerts. I cannot change people; that's not my job. I've been asked to perform in Tel Aviv to persuade them, but my response remains a continual boycott, as I firmly believe in human freedom."
On whether his fame could prevent him from being silenced by pro-Israel lobbies, Waters answered himself in an interview with a German newspaper.
He detailed how these lobbies relentlessly target him for his pro-Palestinian views, trying to smear him with anti-Semitism - an allegation he strongly denies.
Waters states, "I was never anti-Semitic and never will be." Yet, anyone supporting Palestinian rights faces such accusations, intended to silence voices like his.
Despite efforts to cancel his concerts, particularly in Germany last year, Waters remains resolute in his commitment to justice and equality: "They want to silence my voice for justice and equality which has been my mission since childhood. The apartheid regime in Israel will not stop me. Together, we will achieve liberation.”
Western governments' official stances are often antagonistic towards the Arab world and the Palestinian issue. This bias has become more evident post-Al Aqsa Flood, yet it doesn’t reflect the sentiments of all Western individuals.
Protests in American and Western universities show that many have been misled by official media but are beginning to see the truth.
Waters' actions affirm that there are those who support justice globally. Remember, he was among 600 musicians who signed a letter urging fellow artists to boycott Israel until Palestine is free.
They formed "Musicians for Palestine," advocating against performances in Israeli cultural institutions complicit in oppression and supporting Palestinian sovereignty and freedom.
Contrastingly, some Arabs, including officials and media figures, support the Zionist entity against their religious and linguistic brothers.
Reflecting on 2011, Waters wrote in The Guardian about his initial exposure to the Palestinian plight through an academic boycott appeal. Invited to perform in Tel Aviv, Waters was persuaded by Palestinian activists who revealed Israeli government's violations. His UN-protected visit to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, witnessing the apartheid wall, solidified his resolve to support Palestinians and boycott Tel Aviv.
His observations highlighted the severe impact of Israeli blockade on Gaza, invoking global support for Palestine through his poignant descriptions.
Roger Waters, now over 80, unwaveringly champions the Palestinian cause, enduring harassment for his convictions. His actions, more honourable than some Arab officials and public figures, illustrate how art can hold significant value and fulfill a humanitarian role. There is little difference between a meaningful song, a sincere word, and a bullet in the fight for justice.
Waters' stance underscores that the Palestinian issue defines the line between right and wrong. One must choose to be free and just, despite sacrifices, or be subservient to falsehood, losing their integrity in the process.
*The original version of this article was published in the print edition of Oman Arabic newspaper on July 15.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari
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