Irish music festival bans IDF veteran from attending in name of 'safe, welcoming, inclusive space'

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The Rewild Festival banned an ex-IDF soldier, saying that members of the 'Israeli Occupation Forces' are not welcome, sparking outrage over anti-Israel bias at the Irish music event.​

A banner flies at Rewild Festival, Ireland, July

he Rewild Festival, an Irish music festival, prevented an IDF veteran from attending, festival organizers confirmed on Saturday.

Organizers of the festival, which was held between July 10-12, said they "became aware that a former member of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) was hoping to attend the festival as a paying guest."

IOF is a term often used by anti-Zionist and left-wing activists aiming to delegitimize the IDF.

"Rewild stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for our community," the statement published on the festival's social media read.

"In line with these values, current or former members of the IOF are not welcome at Rewild and will not be permitted to participate in the festival, and that was made clear. He [the IDF veteran] will NOT be in attendance," the statement concluded.

Festival-goers attend the Rewild Festival in Ireland; illustrative. (credit: Rewild Festival)

Israel activists condemn festival's decision​

Several activists and organizations denounced the Rewild Festival's decision to prevent the IDF veteran from attending.