World-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta, 89, has announced the cancellation of all his projects and artistic commitments in Israel in an open protest against Israel’s genocide of Palestine. Mehta made reference to what he described as its oppressive and violent treatment of Palestinians, amid continuing violations in the West Bank.

Israel cultural boycott gathers pace

Mehta, whose name has been associated with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for more than 55 years, said in an interview with India Today that that he could not separate art from politics, confirming that he had decided to cancel all his engagements in Israel this year in protest against butcher Benjamin Netanyahu government’s widespread killing of civilians and war crimes.

Mehta stressed that artists and musicians are required to take a moral stance on major issues, especially those related to wars and violations against peoples, considering that silence or ignorance is no longer acceptable in light of the widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and the thousands of victims, in addition to the policies of oppression and settlement in the West Bank.

Notable name

Meita’s stance is one of the most outspoken positions taken by an international artistic figure with close historical ties to the Israeli cultural establishment. He has previously warned of Israel’s growing international isolation, before directly linking this isolation today to war crimes and violations committed against Palestinians.

This decision comes in the context of an escalating cultural and artistic boycott of Israel, alongside growing international voices holding Netanyahu’s government responsible for the mass killings, forced displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank, in violation of

This decision comes amid escalating cultural and artistic boycotts of Israel, alongside growing international calls for Netanyahu’s government to be held accountable for the mass killings, forced displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank, in clear violation of international humanitarian law.

Zubin Mehta, born on 29 April 1936, is considered one of the most prominent classical music leaders in the world during the 20th and early 21st centuries. He has held leadership positions in major international orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra as honorary music director, as well as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic. and has received numerous awards and honours throughout his long career in recognition of his artistic contributions.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alaa Shamali

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