Gilad Atzmon: a Rare Appearance in Portland

For people interested in Palestinian Liberation, and amazing jazz...

Gilad Atzmon addressing the audience during his last Portland appearance. Photo by Bonnie King Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, OR) - Renowned jazz saxophonist Gilad Atzmon will perform in Portland, Oregon, Saturday, 22 February 2014 at the Thorne Lounge, from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Prior to the music, is a chance to hear Gilad discuss his political and cultural viewpoints about Israel and Palestine. An Israeli by birth, Gilad long ago became a voice of reason for those who resist the occupation.

His book, The Wandering Who? (I notice that Amazon conveniently leaves the question mark off.) riles people like Prof. Alan Dershowitz, who defiantly defend Israeli apartheid politics, labeling men like Atzmon and others of Jewish descent as "Self-hating Jews." Of course Gilad and others gave up the fight on that one, some have chosen to embrace the title when in fact, it is anything but true. I know few people on the face of this earth who have accomplished more than Gilad.

“Gilad Atzmon decided to open Pandora’s Box, and ignite a debate that has been frustratingly dormant for too long. His experiences are most authentic, views are hard-hitting, and, at times, provocative. It must be read and discussed.”
Ramzy Baroud, Palestine Chronicle

His musical talent is beyond incredible, it is a beautifully balanced ensemble of sound, the notes from Gilad's sax musically assault the part of your soul that has not embraced the basic principles of human rights. Gilad has worked with Salem-News.com's Agron Belica in Boston on different musical cuts, Gilad contributed to our Newsic Revolution album. (Newsic Revolution - a Newsical Odyssey)

I first wrote about this incredible writer/author/musician who was part of "Ian Dury and the Blockheads" (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll) more than three years ago. We have exchanged writings in the time period following and Salem-News.com has published well over a hundred of Gilad's articles.

He confronts readers and critics with hard questions and truths about religious identity politics. In a world where all people want dignity and fairness, Gilad calls people out for placing their religion and culture before the humanity of others. Are you a Jew first? Or are you a human being who is Jewish? Replace that religion with any other, it makes no difference. Gilad questions the ethics and beliefs of his native country first, as we all should.

My favorite photo of two amazing friends who love Palestine... Gilad Atzmon and Ken O'Keefe, famed Gaza activist. Ken's the only person alive who ever arrested two Israeli commandos in a single day.

“Gilad’s book constitutes an excellent critique of Identity Politics in general and Jewish Identity Politics in particular from a humanistic perspective. These hysterical attacks upon Gilad only reveal the weaknesses, insecurities, double-standards and hidden agendas of those who attack him. Gilad’s humanism and plea for humanism shine through every page of this book—obviously influenced by his Jazz. A Love Supreme!”
Professor Francis A. Boyle

Israel, supported by the U.S. taxpayer at the rate of at least $4 million dollars a day, obliterates Palestinians with impunity on a constant, ongoing basis. It isn't just Gaza, a strip of landed bordered by Israel and Egypt and hostile Israeli navy boats at sea; where human beings are routinely attacked and murdered, mostly without the world knowing. Attacks against Palestinians in West Bank take place constantly also, with Palestinians and international activists holding the line in protests over Israel's illegal seizure of land which happens on a daily basis. Most Americans don't know, except for the intelligent readers who visit sites like Salem-News.com and a handful of others in the U.S and Great Britain.

There is so much more to say about Gilad Atzmon and this rare, awesome opportunity for people in Oregon and SW Washington. Please donate when you are there, it isn't easy to trek the globe for the sake of saving humanity.

Below are links to a few of my articles about Gilad, below that are the times and date of his appearance, see you there!

Dec-12-2010: gilad.co.uk - Tim King: Frank Talk About Israel from one who knows...

Dec-13-2010: Intifada-Palestine.com - Gilad Atzmon - "I Have a Reputation for Being a Suicidal Activist"

Feb-23-2011: MyCatbirdSeat.com - Under the Spell of Israel

Nov-26-2011: Salem-News.com - There's Never a Time to be Complacent About War Crimes

Mar-14-2012: shoah.org.uk - Know Your Enemy - ! End the Ridiculous Persecution of Gilad Atzmon

Jan-10-2013: Salem-News.com - Video Captures Heart and Ambitions of Gilad Atzmon & Orient House Ensemble

Check out these web sites.

http://www.gilad.co.uk/

http://nahidaexiledpalestinian.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/palestinian-declaration/

Saturday Feb. 22^{nd 2014}

6pm-8:30 Moderated Round Table Discussion with local Palestinians and Portlanders

Lucky Lab 915 SE Hawthorne

Private Room

Donations Needed.

Hear Atzmon Play!

Thorne Lounge

4260 SE Hawthorne

9pm-10:30pm