'BDS is a scam': Why Israeli music icon David Broza still believes in the power of art

About this episode

David Broza discusses the role of art in conflict and his opposition to boycotts in a special episode of the Haaretz Podcast.

On a special edition of the Haaretz Podcast celebrating its 500th episode, host Allison Kaplan Sommer speaks to iconic Israeli musician David Broza – the composer of "Things Will Be Better," one of Israel’s best-known peace anthems – on performing in a time of war, chaos and despair in his country. “There’s no rationale to being Israeli,” Broza, 70, said on the podcast. "My mission is to exist as an artist and to be very much aware of where I come from and not just leave it behind and shy away from it." Broza describes himself as being “sad but hopeful,” adding that he “would have to stop singing if I wasn’t hopeful.” Having lived in Francoist Spain in his youth, he observed that how "in fascist governments, the artists are the first ones to be burnt, banned, thrown out... And yet you can't erase the art. We need strength now. We need songs. We need art." Broza’s music crosses cultures and genres – fusing Spanish guitar with contemporary rock and folk music, and emphasizing themes of peace and social justice. He has collaborated widely with top artists including Paul Simon, Sting, Van Morrison and Bob…

People in this episode

Host: Allison Kaplan Sommer

Guest: David Broza

Topics covered

• art
• music
• peace
• conflict
• BDS
• collaboration

Keywords

• David Broza
• art
• BDS
• music
• peace
• collaboration
• Israeli music

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BDS, Paul Simon, Sting, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan

Books & works: Things Will Be Better

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