Overview

• Prime Minister Bart De Wever attended the Essen performance with Germany’s ambassador to Belgium and told Shani that Belgium has no place for racism or antisemitism, posting the message with a handshake photo on X.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked De Wever for the show of support and wrote that blatant antisemitism must not be given any place.
• The Ghent festival said it canceled the Sept. 18 concert because Shani had not provided clarity on his stance toward Israel, citing his Israel Philharmonic role and describing a “grey zone,” with a statement referring to a “genocidal regime in Tel Aviv.”
• Musikfest Berlin issued a short‑notice invitation to the Münchner Philharmoniker and Shani for a guest concert on Monday at 19:00 in the Konzerthaus Berlin.
• A petition launched by harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani supporting Shani and the orchestra reported more than 12,500 signatures by Saturday midday.