US indie band Big Thief pulls out of Israel shows after BDS pressure

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - American indie rock band Big Thief called off Thursday a pair of shows in Israel after coming under pressure from the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. ​​​​​​​

The twice Grammy-nominated band apologized for a statement it issued less than a week prior in which it defended the decision to book the July shows, saying "aspects of" its social media post "were written unclearly and in avoidance of the magnitude and importance of this conversation."

Big Thief further apologized for the "recklessness and naivete of our original statement."

“We oppose the illegal occupation and the systematic oppression of the Palestinian people. We believe in total freedom and self-determination for all Palestinians," said the group.

"In your responses to our actions, you have helped us to realize that we were in avoidance of entering this discussion about Max's home in a more thoughtful way. We are committed to growing from this, and moving forward with the transparency, accountability, and import that such a situation requires," it added.

Max Oleartchik, the band's bassist, was born and raised in Tel Aviv and currently resides in the coastal city.

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel lauded Big Thief's decision, saying it "warmly" welcomes the decision.

"We salute Big Thief's courage and their willingness to listen to the oppressed. We recognize, too, the clear position of a majority of the group's fans of principled support for BDS," it added.

BDS says it is "a Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice and equality," modeling itself off the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

Barby, the Tel Aviv venue Big Thief was scheduled to play next month, angrily assailed the decision, saying "I wish you all the evil in the world just as you did to your fans in Israel."

"I *demand* an end to the hypocrisy! And there are plenty!" it said in a Facebook post translated from Hebrew.