Peaceful evening disrupted at orchestral concert in Paris - arrests made
As-salamu alaykum. Paris police detained four people after a concert by Israel’s national orchestra was interrupted, according to a prosecutor. Organizers said some protesters set off smoke flares during the performance at the Paris Philharmonic. The visit had drawn criticism from several groups because of concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza during a two-year military campaign.
The venue reported that a number of people repeatedly interrupted Thursday’s concert. Video shows a protester holding a red flare inside the hall, creating smoke, and other attendees then rushed to confront that person. The Paris Philharmonic said it filed a complaint and “strongly condemns the serious incidents.” It said on three occasions ticket holders tried to disrupt the show, and fellow audience members stepped in; the protesters were removed and the concert continued.
A prosecutor said three men and one woman were taken into custody. Before the event, activist groups had urged cancellation, arguing that allowing the orchestra to play would help rehabilitate Israel’s image. Israel’s ambassador to France, who attended the concert, said the way audience members reacted was “proof that France has had enough.”
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati criticized the disruption, saying “violence has no place in a concert hall,” and stressing that freedom of artistic programming is a core right. The incident adds to ongoing debates about cultural boycotts; earlier this year a Belgian festival canceled a performance led by the same Israeli conductor amid controversy, and that decision also sparked accusations of antisemitism and wider discussion in Europe.
May we be guided to respond with wisdom and restraint in situations of strong feeling. Salam.
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