Overview

• The cancellation remains in place, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that ideological tests for Jewish and Israeli artists reflect a normalization of antisemitism.
• Lahav Shani called the move regrettable and said festival organizers sought a political declaration despite his repeated public appeals for peace and reconciliation.
• Berlin cultural institutions stepped in with a short-notice concert at the Konzerthaus Berlin, signaling solidarity from the Berlin Philharmonic and partners.
• Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever attended a Munich Philharmonic concert in Germany to show support for Shani and denounced racism and antisemitism.
• An online petition urging the festival to reverse its decision has topped 16,000 signatures, as separate concerts saw Israeli conductor Volkov publicly call for an end to the Gaza war.