A Not Too Happy Zionist Ends Up Swearing!

For a second time, the Jerusalem Quartet were part of the line-up at the Brighton Festival.  Following on from our successful disruption of their concert at London’s Wigmore Hall two years ago, some of us decided that it would be helpful if we enlivened proceedings somewhat. 

In all there were about 5 disruptions of the JQ and although they were under strict instructions to play on, the disruptions made them inaudible at times.

I won’t rehearse the old, familiar arguments about culture and politics.  This was, of course, the standard line of defence of the defenders of Apartheid in South Africa.  No doubt the Zionists would say that it would have been wrong to disrupt the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra when they portrayed the ‘cultural’ side of Nazi Germany.  And of course when it came to the issue of Soviet Jewry, the last major reservoir of Jewish immigrants in Europe who could form the settlers of the Occupied Territories, Zionist groups didn’t hesitate to disrupt the Bolshoi Ballet and other artistic representations of the Soviet Union.

Hence why the Jerusalem String Quartet’s recital at the Brighton Festival on May 8th was interrupted by protesters objecting to Israel’s apartheid system, its illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, its attacks on civilians in Gaza and its suppression of Palestinian human rights in Israel and the Occupied territories.

The action was taken in line with the call from Palestinian civil society for a boycott of state-supported cultural events. The call is available at

For previous coverage of the disruption of the Jerusalem Quartet see

Jerusalem Quartet – Liars and Ambassadors on Behalf of the Israeli State

Jerusalem Quartet Disruption – Gets More Coverage

Jerusalem Quartet Concert at London’s Wigmore Hall is Disrupted & Radio 3’s Live Broadcast is Terminated



I was spotted during the interval and unfortunately missed adding to the heavenly delights, but not before there had been 3 prolonged disruptions with another two to come.  Since the disruptions were in groups it made little difference although it would have been nice to have added my vocal support to Israel’s music ambassadors!

Enjoy the clips of the demonstrators adding to the musical ensemble!

Tony Greenstein