Pink Floyd's Roger Waters says the US media is ignoring anti-Israel sentiment: 'It comes from above'
He also reiterated his criticism of Radiohead and frontman Thom Yorke over their decision to play in the country
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Your support makes all the difference.Pink Floyd's Roger Waters has criticised the stances of both the US media, and fellow musicians, on Israel.
When asked by RT why the issue isn't more openly discussed by the US media, he answered with what a producer for PBS reporter Charlie Rose had allegedly told him: "We're not quite sure, but it comes from above. So, you can figure it out for yourself. It's not rocket science."
The musician has been vocal about Israel in the past; his belief is that many American musicians are afraid of supporting a boycott on Israel over the issue of Palestinian rights, for fear it may destroy their careers over accusations of anti-Semitism.
He reiterated to RT his criticism of Radiohead's decision to perform in Israel, despite BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) campaigners calling for a cultural boycott of the country.
Waters had joined in with multiple artists as part of an open letter issued by Artists for Palestine UK, which called on the band to reconsider the gig.
Frontman Thom Yorke responded by stating that, though the band do not support the Israeli government or its occupation of Palestine, they would not be cancelling the gig; he further pointed out that Radiohead still play in the US despite not supporting Donald Trump.
Water has stated that he still hopes to speak to Yorke personally, adding, "Thom Yorke is wrong about not endorsing the policies of the Israeli government by playing there."
"Spokespersons of that government have said how excited they are, that this is the best thing that's happened for their hasbara, which is the explaining to the rest of the world what a wonderful and precious democracy Israel is."
He added that by not joining the BDS' boycott, Yorke and his band are crossing an ideological "picket line" and serving the Israeli government's agenda, no matter their intention.
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"They are making a public statement that they do endorse the policies of the government, whatever they say, because that is what will be reported in Israel, and that is what gets reported around the world," Waters explained. "That’s why Radiohead are being so soundly criticized by anybody with progressive ideas about human rights, because they have taken that step."