Criticism levied by Germany's Merz towards a festival for terminating Israeli conductor's participation
In a recent turn of events, Lahav Shani, the future chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic, found himself at the centre of a heated controversy after his scheduled appearance at the Flanders Festival Ghent was cancelled.
The cancellation, which occurred on unspecified grounds, has sparked accusations of antisemitism from Germany, Israel, and Belgium. The incident is believed to be related to Shani's potential association with the Israeli government.
Shani, who is also the music director of the Israel Philharmonic, called the cancellation "regrettable." He claimed that he was demanded to make a political declaration, despite his long-standing and publicly expressed commitment to peace and reconciliation.
The organiser who spoke out against the normalisation of antisemitic rhetoric in connection with the cancellation of Shani's event is Dr. Sebastian Voigt. His speech in Berlin came amidst growing concerns about the increasing spread of antisemitism, with Merz, the head of Germany's Central Council of Jews, warning of its normalisation.
The controversy comes as Israel launched a retaliatory offensive in the Gaza Strip following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. The catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza as a result of Israel's campaign have fuelled widespread public anger in Europe.
The region's governments have been divided on how to respond to the situation in Gaza, with some calling for a ceasefire and others supporting Israel's actions. The 75th anniversary of the establishment of Germany's Central Council of Jews was marked by a speech from Merz, where he addressed the growing concern over antisemitism.
There has been an outpouring of support for Shani since the cancellation of his show at the Flanders Festival Ghent. The Israeli government's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza has triggered international uproar, with many expressing their solidarity with Shani in the face of what they perceive as political pressure.
The Berlin Philharmonic, in a show of solidarity, invited Shani to perform with the Munich orchestra at a festival in the German capital. Shani performed at the event, marking a defiant stand against the perceived political pressure that led to his cancellation at the Flanders Festival Ghent.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of political and cultural dynamics, and the delicate balance that often needs to be maintained in such situations. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, it is hoped that a peaceful resolution can be found, and artists like Shani can continue to contribute to the world of music without facing political pressure or discrimination.
Source: © 2025 AFP.
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