MKs Dan Meridor (Center) and Amnon Rubinstein (Meretz) on Tuesday called upon MK Zevulun Orlev (NRP), chair of the Knesset Education Committee, to reconsider declaring conductor Daniel Barenboim persona non grata in Israel. Orlev indicated that if Barenboim were willing to apologize for his actions, the committee would be willing to reconsider its decision.
Earlier in the month, in the Jerusalem Convention Center, Barenboim conducted the Berlin Symphony in playing music by anti-Semitic composer Richard Wagner, despite a prior agreement no to do so. The move led to the committee declaring Barenboim persona non grata in Israel. Barenboim was unapologetic, explaining that although he understands the sensitive issue and there are those wishing to boycott Wagner\'s music, there are many that enjoyed the performance.
Earlier in the month, in the Jerusalem Convention Center, Barenboim conducted the Berlin Symphony in playing music by anti-Semitic composer Richard Wagner, despite a prior agreement no to do so. The move led to the committee declaring Barenboim persona non grata in Israel. Barenboim was unapologetic, explaining that although he understands the sensitive issue and there are those wishing to boycott Wagner\'s music, there are many that enjoyed the performance.