US EditionGermany's Merz Criticises Festival for Axing Israeli Conductor
Flanders Festival Ghent cancelled a Munich Philharmonic concert due to conductor Lahav Shani's Israel ties, citing unclear stance on Gaza conflict amid protests and political backlash.
- The Flanders Festival in Ghent canceled a concert scheduled for September 18, 2025, by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Israeli Lahav Shani.
- Festival organizers justified the cancellation citing concerns about Shani's insufficient clarity on Israel's Gaza policy and potential public disturbances amid broader protests against the Gaza conflict.
- The decision sparked international condemnation, with German leaders praising Shani and urging solidarity, while Belgian Culture Minister Caroline Gennez supported the cancellation, prompting calls for her resignation.
- A petition signed by over 11,000 musicians denounced the move as targeting Shani's nationality, and German authorities expressed concern over anti-Semitism and upheld artistic freedom amid ongoing protests.
- The controversy exposed political divisions in Belgium and raised questions about balancing cultural boycott demands and democratic principles, influencing diplomatic relations and Germany-Belgium cooperation.
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44 Articles
InsideNoVA.com
Germany's Merz criticises festival for axing Israeli conductor
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued Wednesday that the "poison of antisemitism" was spreading as he criticised a Belgian festival's decision to axe a performance by a German orchestra with an Israeli conductor.
The invitation of Israeli conductor Shani from a Belgian music festival has provoked a great deal of criticism. The conductor is now making a statement for the first time, reminding him of human values.
The invitation of the Israeli conductor Lahav Shani from a concert in Belgium has been digging up the cultural scene for days. The musician himself has remained silent about this - until now. From Germany he receives broad support.
Israeli conductor Lahav Shani has now also responded (in writing) to the commotion surrounding the canceled concert at the Ghent Festival of Flanders. Shani writes that everything must be done to end the war as quickly as possible. "I was unwillingly dragged into a public storm that escalated into a diplomatic incident."
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