World-renowned conductor: I cannot ignore the Palestinian cause

NEW DELHI, Jan. 17 (YPA) – World-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta has announced the cancellation of all his artistic commitments and projects in Israel for the next year, in protest against the policies of Netanyahu’s government regarding the Palestinian issue.

 

In an interview with India Today, Mehta said that he made his decision because of his opposition to the way Netanyahu is handling the entire Palestinian issue, adding: “I can no longer turn a blind eye as many of my colleagues do.”

 

Mehta expressed hope that the upcoming Israeli elections will bring about political change, but expressed pessimism about this, considering that Netanyahu enjoys a large majority in the Knesset.

 

In a rare statement, Mehta stressed that he is no longer able to separate music from political reality, calling on artists to take clear positions on controversial issues. He said: “Many turn a blind eye, and I cannot agree with them.”