Daniel Barenboim shuns Israel's 60th anniversary

[Scurrilous]

Controversial conductor to lead orchestra of Israeli, Palestinian youths in concert 'against ignorance' in Jerusalem, says he will not partake in upcoming festivities marking Israel's independence out of respect for Palestinian suffering

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3524502,00.html

<snip>

"Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim will lead an orchestra of 33 young Israeli and Palestinians in Jerusalem Friday in what he called a concert "against ignorance and lack of curiosity" on both sides of the conflict.

At a news conference Thursday in the concert hall of the YMCA on the Jewish side of the city, Barenboim said Friday's two performances, entitled "A concert for two peoples," will be the first time the young musicians have played together in public.

Barenboim, who was born in Buenos Aires and grew up in Israel, has drawn much criticism for his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his decision to perform the works of Hitler's favorite composer, Wagner. He drew fresh fire in January when it became known that he had accepted honorary Palestinian citizenship in recognition of his work to promote musical education for young Palestinians.

He said Thursday he would not be taking part in festivities later this year marking 60 years since the founding of the state of Israel, which Palestinians mark as the anniversary of what they call al-Naqba, Arabic for 'the catastrophe.'

"It is 60 years of Israel's independence, which also means that it is 60 years of suffering of the people who were here," he said."

[speedoo]

1. Interesting.

[Vegasaurus]

2. So what?

He is welcome to his opinion.

There are Palestinians who think the resistance of Hamas is causing more misery to their people and should stop the violent resistance.

People on both sides can be critical of their own people.

[LeftishBrit]

3. And I'm sure Barenboim would agree with these Palestinians about the violent resistance

He is trying to encourage peaceful solutions to the conflict, and with that aim, to get Israelis and Palestinians to come together through music. (The headline, while true in itself, made it sound as though he is simply anti-Israel, which is not the case.)


'People on both sides can be critical of their own people.'

Very true!

[ProgressiveMuslim]

4. How refreshing! nt