Jewish klezmer-dance band Oi Va Voi: Musicians shouldn't have to keep looking over their shoulders'

"Josh Breslaw was looking forward to a homecoming gig with his band of two decades' standing. Oi Va Voi, a predominantly Jewish collective mixing traditional eastern European folk tunes with drum'n'bass and dance, were due to conclude a spring tour of Turkey with a gig in May at Bristol's Strange Brew club, plus one in Brighton where Breslaw lives. But then, after protests from local activists about both the band's past performances in Israel, and with Israeli singer Zohara, Strange Brew abruptly cancelled, citing the ongoing situation in Gaza."

"To be told they hadn't met the venue's ethical standards was devastating, says Breslaw, the band's 52-year-old drummer: It felt so unjust. But worse came when his home-town venue cancelled in solidarity. It changed how I felt about the city, how I felt about parts of the music industry. And it changed how I felt about the political home I always felt I lived in."

"It offers everything you'd expect from a neighbourhood arts venue: posters advertising a panto, children's craft and one thing found only in Jewish spaces, namely thorough airport-style security frisking at the gate. Since the Manchester synagogue attack, in which two worshippers died in a car and knife attack on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, the community has stepped up already tight security, says Breslaw: buy tickets for a small Jewish play or book reading, and the location may be disclosed only 24 hours before."

Oi Va Voi, a predominantly Jewish ensemble blending eastern European folk with drum'n'bass and dance, had planned hometown shows after a spring tour of Turkey. Bristol's Strange Brew cancelled one gig after protests concerning the band's past performances in Israel and their collaboration with Israeli singer Zohara, citing the Gaza situation. A Brighton venue later cancelled in solidarity, producing apologies from promoters; Strange Brew issued a subsequent statement saying the cancellation was a mistake and suggesting scrutiny stemmed from the band's Jewish identity and Israeli collaborator. Band members reported devastation, altered feelings about the city and music industry, and increased concern for safety. Jewish venues have increased security after the Manchester synagogue attack.

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