Outrage spread across Belgium and Germany after the Flanders Festival in Ghent canceled a planned Sept. 18 concert by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, citing uncertainty over whether its conductor, Israeli musician Lahav Shani, provided "sufficient clarity about his attitude to the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv.”
The decision prompted accusations of outright antisemitism and drew fierce criticism from cultural and political leaders. Germany moved swiftly to respond: the Munich Philharmonic was immediately invited to perform in Berlin this Monday as a direct show of solidarity. Organizers of the Berlin concert said the move underscored the unifying power of the arts, the democratic values of Europe and opposition to antisemitism, discrimination and boycotts in culture and science.
“The rescinding of the invitation to the Munich Philharmonic and Lahav Shani is unacceptable,” wrote German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. “Jews living here must never be exploited for the purpose of criticizing the Israeli government.”
Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor also condemned the decision as "pure antisemitism," accusing organizers of launching a "frontal attack on artistic freedom under the guise of criticizing Israel.”
The German Embassy in Belgium announced it was cutting all ties with the festival and removed all references to it from its social media accounts.
In Belgium, officials distanced themselves from the organizers despite their claim that the decision was coordinated with Ghent authorities and cultural ministries. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the boycott amounted to reckless discrimination. “To impose a professional ban on someone solely because of their origin is both reckless and irresponsible,” he said. “ I deeply regret the festival’s decision, which has inflicted severe damage on the reputation of our country.”
The controversy has rattled Europe’s classical music world, normally known for decorum and tradition, highlighting the tensions surrounding cultural boycotts of Israel and the backlash they can provoke.