BELGIUM AND GERMANY – Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever recently made a notable gesture by attending a concert in Germany conducted by Lahav Shani, an Israeli conductor whose scheduled performance with the Munich Philharmonic was canceled by the Flanders Festival Ghent. This cancellation has stirred considerable controversy, particularly as it was perceived as a response to Shani's connections with Israeli institutions amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Shani is set to become the chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic next year and also directs the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. He performed in Essen, Germany, with the Munich Philharmonic on Saturday evening, where he received accolades from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for De Wever’s attendance. Merz praised the act as a "strong signal of solidarity," emphasizing the importance of combating antisemitism in light of the decision made by the Belgian festival.
The Flanders Festival Ghent announced the cancellation of the concert scheduled for September 18, stating that, while Shani has advocated for peace and reconciliation, they could not ensure clarity regarding his views related to Israel’s actions due to his role with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. This statement reflects the complex emotions and divisions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel is accused by some of committing atrocities, a charge it vehemently denies.
Idit Rosenzweig-Abu, Israel’s ambassador to Belgium, voiced her concerns on social media, arguing that the cancellation demonstrates a form of discrimination based solely on origin, which she classified as racism, and in the context of a Jewish individual, as antisemitism. This sentiment has resonated with various critics in Germany, leading to a swift invitation for Shani and the Munich Philharmonic to perform at another music festival in Berlin on short notice.
In a gesture of support, Prime Minister De Wever shared a photo of himself with Shani on social media, strongly condemning the decision made by Flanders Festival Ghent. He stated that “there will never, ever be any room for racism and antisemitism” in Belgium and articulated his respect for Shani's musical contributions. His remarks underscore a broader commitment to tolerance and artistic expression amid rising tensions over cultural reactions to international conflicts.
Chancellor Merz reiterated the importance of not allowing spaces for what he termed “naked antisemitism” in Europe, reflecting a concerning wave of discrimination linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international music community continues to grapple with these issues, balancing artistic freedom with social and political responsibilities. As public figures weigh their responses, the case of Lahav Shani stands as a poignant example of the intersections between art, identity, and geopolitics in contemporary society.
