By, Marcus Dysch
1 min read
ByMarcus Dysch, Marcus Dysch
The promoter of a controversial Edinburgh Fringe show about Palestinians says that he has received death threats from angry supporters of Israel.
I ♥ Hamas – and other things I’m afraid to tell you, is a satirical stand-up performance by American actress, writer and comedian Jennifer Jajeh.
The show, which began its Edinburgh run this week, features Ms Jajeh discussing her time in the West Bank and her experiences of checkpoints, violence and dating Palestinian men.
Ms Jajeh, who describes herself as “a Palestinian, Christian, American”, has used Twitter to encourage anti-Israel groups and activists, including the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, to buy tickets. Calvin Wynter, the New York-based promoter, said he had been accused of antisemitism. He has now asked US authorities to investigate emails and messages he has received.
He is also promoting the only Israeli-produced show at this year’s Fringe — Repertory Theatre, a comedy about a playwright devised by the Elephant and the Mouse company.
Mr Wynter, whose great-grandmother was a Syrian Jew, said: “Jennifer has received death threats in recent years, but this is the first time one of the promoters has received such attacks. ”
Mr Wynter said extra security measures would be taken to protect her, adding: “We have had British people who are offended by the title of the show and do not think we should be making light of the actions of Hamas.
“But we have also had people who understand that it is tongue-in-cheek and others who are just confused. Jennifer is trying to build bridges.”