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Israel boycotters block Barenboim's orchestra from Jerusalem

July 26, 2012 16:03

ByJennifer Lipman, Jennifer Lipman

1 min read

A concert by an orchestra that aims to promote harmony between Israelis and Palestinians has been cancelled after supporters of a cultural boycott of Israel raised objections.

Daniel Barenboim's West-East Divan orchestra, which works to bring together Arab and Israeli performers and break down the divide between the two groups, was set to perform on Tuesday at the Mount of Olives.

Mr Barenboim is a celebrated musical figure, and is known as an outspoken critic of the Israeli government. He holds honorary Palestinian citizenship.

The concert was arranged by the UN Middle East envoy Robert Serry. But after pro-Palestinian groups called for the event to be cancelled because it promoted "false symmetry or balance", he called it off. "Noting the objections of some groups it was decided – with regret – not to proceed," he said.