Photo via the artist.

When Brooklyn-based indie rock band The Shondes signed on to headline the Washington Jewish Music Festival in June, they certainly didn’t expect the controversy it would lead to. Especially considering that their music is heavily inspired by Judaism and they were playing a, uh, Jewish festival.

But that’s exactly what happened when the band was informed last week that their headlining concert at the Black Cat on June 2 would be canceled. Why? Because of singer/bassist Louisa Solomon’s support of Palestine, specifically, the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement. According to Solomon, the band got a call from DCJCC CEO Carole Zawatsky saying they were canceling the gig because of Solomon’s public comments supporting the BDS movement (the BDS movement aims to end the Israeli occupation of the Arab land and grant equality for Palestinian citizens of Israel).

“Jewish institutions want to appeal to younger Jews and those who feel alienated from Judaism, but as long as they try to control conversation on Israel and maintain this outdated party line, they will lose that battle,” Solomon said in a release. “Given how candid I have always been about my political views, and that I’ve been engaged in Palestine solidarity activism for over a decade, I was thrilled when we were asked to perform, thinking it signaled a move toward inclusivity. It’s a real disappointment and disrespect to have the invitation withdrawn now.”

Of course, this isn’t the first time the DCJCC has stirred controversy. As WAMU’s Bandwidth reports, a similar incident happened last year when they canceled a talk from author David Harris-Gershon for the same reason. And just recently, they downgraded the Theater J’s production of critically-acclaimed play “The Admission” because it dealt with anti-Israel themes.

In a statement to DCist, Zawatsky says “this band, which embraces boycotting Israel, exceeds the redline limits of the DCJCC’s open policy.”

After word got out that The Shondes show at the Black Cat was to be canceled, D.C. and Baltimore chapters of the organization Jewish Voice for Peace rallied and agreed to help out the band, presenting the concert on their behalf, instead of the DCJCC. “The D.C. JCC’s decision is a disgrace, and we are proud to partner with the Shondes on the June 2 event,” Jewish Voice for Peace-D.C. spokesman Robbie Dembo said in a release. “There is growing Jewish support for Palestinian rights and the BDS movement; for many Jews of conscience these are hugely important ethical positions in line with Jewish teachings on justice, peace, and tikkun olam.”