Prize ceremony for Anish Kapoor cancelled because of Syrian suffering

Sir Anish Kapoor has cancelled his awards ceremony in Israel for the “Jewish Nobel” prize because of the suffering of the Syrian civil war.

The artist had already earmarked his $1 million award from the Genesis Foundation to aid Syrian refugees.

A statement from the foundation quoted by Ha’aretz said it had agreed with Sir Anish that “in light of the escalating war in Syria and the resulting deterioration of the refugee situation there, it would be inappropriate to hold a festive ceremony to honour Mr Kapoor and his work on refugee issues while children are being killed with chemical and other horrible weapons on Israel’s doorstep”.

The prize was instituted in 2012 to recognise those who combine professional excellence with service to Israel or the Jewish people.