Popular singer Eyal Golan has volunteered to be the opening act at the new performing arts center in Ariel. Several dozen Israeli actors signed a letter boycotting the new theater because it is located in Judea and Samaria. A group of American actors also wrote a letter supporting the Israeli protest.
However Eyal Golan is one of many performers that signed an Israel Union of Performing Artists petition supporting the theater. As reported by Ynet news Golan stated, "The residents of Ariel are an inseparable part of Israel. Music is meant to serve as a bridge among people and make them happy. I would be happy to be the one inaugurating the cultural center." Golan is a secular Israeli known for his chart-topping Sephardic and Mizrachi pop tunes.