In a recent move that underscores the intricate dance between culture and politics, Rachida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, extended a warm welcome to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra ahead of their controversial appearance at the Philharmonie de Paris. Her supportive gesture followed concerns raised by the CGT Spectacle union, a prominent group representing entertainment workers in France.

Cohesive leadership: Conductor Lahav Shani leading the orchestra in Berlin, September 2025. (BERND VON JUTRCZENKA/DPA/AFP)

Dati took to social media on November 4, 2025, expressing her gratitude and support for the performance, stating, "Welcome to the National Orchestra of Israel this Thursday at the Philharmonie. There is no justification for a boycott of this cultural moment, a time of sharing and communion. The freedom of creation and programming is a core value of our Republic. Let us not use this as a pretext for antisemitism!"

The CGT Spectacle had previously refrained from an outright boycott call but criticized the event, suggesting that hosting the Israeli orchestra at a public institution condones the actions of the Israeli government, specifically referencing alleged crimes in Gaza. They posited the concert as an effort by the state of Israel to promote normalization without addressing these international outcries.

In response, the Philharmonie de Paris has maintained its stance of artistic neutrality, expressing hope that the concert would proceed "in the best possible conditions." The institution underscored its longstanding practice of hosting artists from both Israeli and Palestinian backgrounds without demanding political statements from them regarding ongoing conflicts.

The controversy echoes recent events involving Lahav Shani, the 36-year-old conductor at the helm of the Israeli Philharmonic. Shani found himself in the limelight earlier this year when the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, under his direction, was pulled from a Belgian festival following political pressures. Despite this, the renowned conductor remains committed to peace and reconciliation, a stance he has openly advocated.

Lahav Shani's experience in Belgium stirred a significant dialogue, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemning such acts as manifestations of "the poison of antisemitism." Shani criticized the festival organizers for succumbing to political demands, insisting that his steadfast dedication to music and harmony transcends political turmoil.

This incident in Paris further highlights the ongoing intersection of cultural events and political landscapes, as institutions and artists navigate these sensitive waters. The Israeli Philharmonic's appearance at the Philharmonie de Paris stands as a testament to the enduring power of music as a universal language capable of bridging divides.