Renowned Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim held a “peace concert” in the Gaza Strip.
Barenboim, a pro-Palestinian activist, led some 25 European musicians on May 3, according to the French news agency AFP. The so-called “Orchestra for Gaza” was announced May 2 by the United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East peace process.
It marked the first time that Barenboim, who was granted honorary Palestinian citizenship, visited Gaza. He and the musicians were to enter Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah crossing, AFP reported.
Barenboim has played for Palestinians in the West Bank on several occasions. He was refused entry to Gaza through Israel on several occasions; it is illegal for Israelis to enter Gaza.
Barenboim lives in Berlin and, in addition to being a citizen of Israel, also is a citizen of Argentina and Spain.
“The concert is to try and bring something to the people of Gaza,” he told AFP before the show. “It is not a political event in any sense.” — jta