Overview

• The violinist backs a Saturday demonstration in Berlin against the Gaza war that organizers expect will draw tens of thousands.
• He says support flows easily for Ukraine but Palestinian advocacy quickly meets political resistance and there is little space to mourn Palestinian victims.
• Barenboim and the protest organizers accuse the Israeli government of genocide, a characterization the Israeli government rejects.
• He argues Lahav Shani’s disinvitation by a Ghent festival stemmed from Shani’s role as Israel Philharmonic music director rather than antisemitism.
• He notes many colleagues facing cancellations for pro-Palestinian positions are Jewish, pointing to recent cultural-sector activism that includes an open letter urging Chancellor Friedrich Merz to halt weapons deliveries to Israel.