The man in the center is Lahav Shani, who next year will become the chief conductor of the venerable Munich Philharmonic. The idea was that Shani would conduct the symphony orchestra at a large festival for classical music in the Belgian city of Ghent.
Now the concert on September 18 is cancelled, writes Der Spiegel.
Israeli Shani has previously spoken out against war and for reconciliation, notes the festival on its website. But he is also the chief conductor of Israel's film harmonic orchestra.
"In light of the role he has, we are unable to get clarity on his stance on the regime of genocide in Tel Aviv", writes the festival on its website and adds that they have received support for their decision from the Minister of Culture, the city council of Ghent and the city's cultural life.
The state of Munich's Minister of Culture Wolfram Weimer has reacted strongly to the festival's decision.
With the pretext "Israel criticism" a cultural boycott is being conducted here. It is pure antisemitism and an attack on the foundations of our culture. When it becomes accepted to collectively shut out German orchestras and Jewish artists, a red line has been crossed, he says according to Der Spiegel.
