Irish music festival bans ex-‘Israeli’ soldier from attending

The Rewild Festival, an annual music, arts, and wellness event held in a forest near the Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, Ireland, made headlines this week after organizers banned an ex-soldier of the ‘Israeli’ military from attending.

The decision came amid online pressure following reports that a former ‘Israeli’ soldier, planned to participate as a paying guest.

Festival organizers issued a statement on social media declaring their position clearly. “Rewild stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for our community,” the statement read.

“In line with these values, current or former members of the IOF [Israeli Occupation Forces] are not welcome at Rewild and will not be permitted to participate in the festival and that was made clear — he will NOT be in attendance.”

The move followed an intense campaign by pro-Palestinian activists, which reportedly prompted some artists and suppliers to threaten withdrawal.