Belgian Festival Cancels German Orchestra Over Israeli Conductor Amid Antisemitism Claims

The Flanders Festival Ghent in Belgium cancelled a performance by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra due to concerns over the Israeli conductor Lahav Shani's perceived lack of clear disavowal of Israel's government amid the Gaza conflict. This decision, made in coordination with local cultural authorities, has sparked widespread criticism and accusations of antisemitism from German and Israeli officials, including Germany’s culture commissioner Wolfram Weimer, who called it a disgrace for Europe. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and the foreign minister also condemned the cancellation as reckless and excessive, warning against conflating Israeli government actions with Jewish identity. Lahav Shani, who is set to become Munich Philharmonic’s chief conductor in 2026-27, has previously advocated for peace and reconciliation, and the orchestra strongly supports him. Jewish organizations in Flanders compared the boycott to painful historical exclusions, emphasizing the discriminatory nature of the festival's decision. The controversy highlights tensions in European cultural life amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and raises concerns about rising antisemitism disguised as political protest.