The new kulturkampf

Yisrael Medad
Green-Lined/JPost
29 August '10

A new kulturkampf is upon us.

Ariel's soon-to-be-inaugurated cultural center will not benefit from the services and talents of at least 36 Israeli actors.

Before we delve into this phenomenon of left-wing Israelis so excited to engage in boycott activities, let's recall a recent event in Ramallah. There, the rock group Boney M appeared but agreed to drop one of the greatest hits, "By the Rivers of Babylon." If you can't figure that one out, well, read the lyrics. They originate in Psalm 137. Theodor Herzl famously quoted on of its verses: "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning."

Maybe these actors could eliminate certain elements of the performances or even refuse, at least, to sing HaTikva. That would be so more symbolic. On the other hand, there is always the option for the Minister for Culture to cut back taxpayers' finances that are transferred to these various actors' places of employment. Sort of a tit for tat, or dime for dime. After all, if the actors claim the privilege of conscience, they surely can understand that others also possess a conscience, and a commitment to national values.

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