US EditionLahav Shani and the Problem with Cultural Boycotts
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever called the cancellation reckless and irresponsible, warning it harms Belgium's reputation and undermines artistic freedom amid political tensions.
- The Flanders Festival of Flanders in Ghent cancelled a scheduled September 18 concert by the Munich Philharmonic led by Israeli conductor Lahav Shani.
- Organizers cited unclear views on Shani's attitude toward the conflict in Gaza as the reason, denying antisemitism but triggering debate about the decision’s motivation.
- The cancellation triggered condemnation from German and Belgian officials, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever, the German ambassador, and cultural ministers who called it reckless and divisive.
- De Wever stated the cancellation inflicted 'severe damage' on Belgium’s reputation and called banning someone for their origin 'reckless and irresponsible.'
- The incident prompted calls for Minister Caroline Gennez's resignation and highlighted tensions over artistic freedom, with petitions opposing the ban garnering thousands of signatures.
21 Articles
21 Articles
The Prime Minister appeared on social media with the conductor and delivered a message. ...
Music festival cancels performance led by Israeli conductor over war in Gaza
Organizers of a Belgian classical music festival said they cancelled an orchestra's performance because they weren’t able to clarify conductor Lahav Shani’s “attitude to the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv” — a decision that’s being called antisemitic.
On Friday evening, the Ghent Festival organizers announced that the concert might go ahead after all, but only if Lahav Shani makes a statement about the violence in Gaza.
Belgian PM slams Ghent festival that nixed concert by Israeli conductor
Bart De Wever said it was 'reckless and irresponsible' to cancel a concert by the Munich Philharmonic and its Israeli conductor, Lahav Shani ■ Germany's embassy in Belgium said it would end its collaboration with the festival
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