Festival Cancels German Orchestra Over Israeli Conductor

The Flanders Festival Ghent canceled a performance by the Munich Philharmonic with Israeli conductor Lahav Shani, citing concerns over his attitude towards the Israeli government, which the organizers labeled as a 'genocidal regime.' German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer condemned the decision as antisemitic and a dangerous precedent, affirming support for the orchestra and Shani, and criticizing the festival for what he called a cultural boycott and attack on European values.