I’m so proud to present Avant Xmas, an album of experimental renditions of seasonal classics, made with John Garner in collaboration with artists KEELERTORNERO, released on Lo Recordings. It’s available as a set of xmas cards (including the digital download) or just digitally. Each card also contains a download code so it’s a musical gift also.
All proceeds from cards and digital sales go to (MAP) Medical Aid for Palestinians and PCFF (The Parents Circle), a joint Israeli-Palestinian organisation of over 600 families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict. We hold the pain and grief of Palestinians and Israelis in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all human beings.
Xmas is for Xmas not just Xmas
Click here to order cards / album
I’m deeply saddened and heartbroken by the extreme outbreak of violence in Israel-Palestine recently and send love and strength to everyone affected.
The two organisations to whom we chose to direct proceeds from the cards and digital sales reflect the assymetry in the conflict. The material needs of safety and protection for Palestinians civilians right now are immense. At the same time there is also such pain and fear in Israeli communities. The rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism are increasing fear and polarisation worldwide. I know in my heart that there are many truths. I pray for the violence to stop, for the bombardment of Gaza to stop permanently, and for the violence and occupation of Palestinians to end.
I am deeply committed to Jewish culture and communities all around the world and hope that wounds and ancestral wounds can heal. I have spent my life explaining to people that it is racist to conflate Jews with Israel, and now I am raising my voice as a Jew to speak about Israel. It’s a confusing and paradoxical time. It feels important to me that my voice, as a British diasporic Jew is heard. But the point is that Israeli politicians and military personnel, in positions of extreme power, are speaking as if they represent the Jewish community worldwide, and justifying their abhorrent acts in the name of Jews and Judaism. I cannot see this in any way other than coming from a place of pain, fear and unhealed trauma, embedded over generations. It goes against every moral, principle and instinct that I have to kill and displace innocent civilians. I hope our community/ies can open its heart to the generations of pain and trauma and heal from this
in peace and reconciliation
Simon
Simon Roth 