The musician Jonny Greenwood is facing criticism for his decision to continue touring with Israeli collaborator Dudu Tassa amidst the Israel-Hamas war. Despite calls to cancel their performances, Greenwood defended the collaboration, stating that silencing Israeli artists is counterproductive.
Greenwood, who is married to Israeli visual artist Sharona Katan, has a longstanding relationship with Israel and has recorded with Israeli artists in the past. He emphasized the importance of allowing Israeli artists to share their work abroad and criticized calls to silence them.
Dudu Tassa, the grandson of renowned Iraqi composer Daoud Al-Kuwaity, expressed his support for Greenwood and emphasized their shared goal of using music to bridge cultural divides. Tassa highlighted the need for dialogue and understanding, rather than boycotts and threats.
While Greenwood did not directly address the ongoing conflict in his statement, he acknowledged the challenging circumstances of their upcoming performances. He emphasized the importance of artistic expression in fostering understanding and unity, especially in times of conflict.
Both Greenwood and Tassa have been involved in promoting peace and justice through their music, and they hope that their collaboration will serve as a small step towards a better future. Despite the controversy surrounding their tour, they remain committed to using music as a tool for connection and dialogue.
