“In accordance with the decision of the Arad Municipal Council, the municipality will not allow incitement against IDF soldiers,” the mayor stated.
Arad Mayor Yair Maayan announced on Monday that the artists who signed a petition calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the return of hostages will not be allowed to perform in the city.
“In accordance with the decision of the Arad Municipal Council, the municipality will not allow incitement against IDF soldiers,” the mayor stated.
“These artists are similar to the list of reserve service refusers who have not served in the reserves for years,” he added.
“We have chosen the side of the IDF soldiers and the State of Israel.”
Petition signed by Israeli artists
The petition was reportedly signed by over 1,000 Israeli artists, celebrities, and cultural figures, including Chava Alberstein, Gidi Gov, and Oshik Levi, and urges an end to the conflict, Ynet reported.
Demonstrators protest, calling for the release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, July 26, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)
“Our country is starving the people of Gaza to death and contemplating the forced removal of millions of Palestinians from the Strip,” the letter reads, as quoted by KAN.
“We, Israelis dedicated to a peaceful future for our country and our Palestinian neighbors, write this with grave shame, in rage, and in agony.”
Singer and Fauda star Idan Amedi, who was injured during his reserve service, criticized the petition, “A group of privileged people echoing stupidity, ignorance, and lies. There is no other army in the world that operates in such a densely populated area with such a low civilian casualty rate. This is proven – go check,” he wrote.
“Go into a tunnel. Fight for one day like tens of thousands of reservists, and then sign a petition. You’re worthless – I’ve had enough of you.”
Eyal Sher, CEO of the Israel Festival and one of the organizers of the petition, responded to the backlash: “A message to all the critics: take a moment to step back and focus on the core message. The petition isn’t meant to cause division or stir conflict among different groups in Israeli society,” Ynet quoted.
He continued, “It aims to express values of humanity, compassion, and a desire to end the war, bring the hostages home, and begin healing and recovery, both in Israel and the region.”