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A Belgian music festival canceled a performance by Germany’s Munich Philharmonic Orchestra over concerns about its future Israeli conductor, prompting sharp criticism from Berlin and concern from Belgium’s foreign minister.
The Munich Philharmonic was scheduled to perform at the Flanders Festival Ghent on Sept. 18, led by Lahav Shani, who will officially assume the role of chief conductor in the 2026–27 season. Shani currently serves as music director of the Israel Philharmonic.
Festival organizers said Wednesday they were “unable to provide sufficient clarity about his attitude” toward the Israeli government amid its ongoing war in Gaza.
“We have chosen to refrain from collaboration with partners who have not distanced themselves unequivocally from that regime,” organizers said in a statement, though they noted that Shani had “spoken out in favour of peace and reconciliation several times in the past.” The festival added that “the current situation” was leading to “emotional reactions,” and the decision was intended to “maintain the serenity” of the event.
German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer called the cancellation a “disgrace for Europe.”
“Under the guise of supposed criticism of Israel, a cultural boycott is being carried out here,” he said.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot also distanced himself from the decision, telling local radio RTBF the move appeared “excessive.”
“We must not confuse the Jewish community and Israelis with Netanyahu’s policies,” Prevot said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel’s war in Gaza has triggered global condemnation. The Israeli military campaign has killed at least 64,600 Palestinians since October 2023, according to Gaza health officials. The enclave, home to 2.4 million people, faces famine after Israeli authorities fully closed border crossings on March 2.
The army resumed attacks on March 18, breaking a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that had held since January. Since then, 12,098 people have been killed and more than 51,000 injured.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
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