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Berlin welcomes Israeli conductor after Belgian festival ban

DW News · Just In
DW News
DW News
Just In

The Belgian organizers of a music festival cited reports that the Israeli musician had not distanced himself from Israel's government over the Gaza war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed the decision to cancel the appearance in Ghent was "blatant antisemitism."

Breakdown
  • Lahav Shani and the Munich Philharmonic performed in Berlin after a cancelled Belgian concert.
  • The Ghent festival cancelled Shani's performance due to his stance on the Israeli government and Gaza conflict. 16s
  • German politicians condemned the Belgian decision, calling it anti-Semitic. 31s
  • Berlin's Musikfest hosted Shani as a sign of solidarity and against discrimination. 49s
  • German officials warned of a growing trend of boycotting Israeli artists. 1m 5s
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