Activists interrupt Israeli orchestra Paris concert over Gaza genocide
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Four individuals who protested during a performance by the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris were arrested, as pro-Palestine protests continue across France.
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An activist holding a Palestinian koufiyyeh at a performance by the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris (Social Media / X)
Activists repeatedly interrupted a performance by the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris, highlighting a rising wave of protests against Israeli representation across Europe amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Following the protests Thursday evening at the event, French authorities made four arrests.
According to local reports, the concert was interrupted three times as demonstrators called attention to Israeli massacres in Gaza, which human rights experts have labeled as atrocities and a humanitarian crisis.
The Philharmonie de Paris condemned the disturbances, announcing plans to file a formal complaint. “Nothing can justify such actions,” the venue said, emphasizing the threat posed to public safety, staff, and performers.
VIDEO | Protesters disrupted a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris, condemning Tel Aviv’s ongoing massacres in Gaza and repression across the occupied West Bank.
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) November 7, 2025
French police later detained four people over the protest. pic.twitter.com/gWzJE7WAje
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez swiftly condemned the protest on X, calling it “unjustifiable", and praised police for their rapid intervention. The arrested individuals, three women and one man, face “charges of violence, property damage, and organizing an unauthorized demonstration," according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Whitewashing 'Israel's' image at international level
The disruptions have drawn attention to the debate over Israeli institutions abroad. The CGT Spectacle union criticized the concert as part of efforts to normalize “Israel’s” image internationally, amid mounting European pressure to hold “Israel” accountable for its genocide in Gaza.
Conductor Lahav Shani, who led the performance, has been at the center of similar controversy. In September, a Belgian festival withdrew his invitation after human rights advocates and artists protested his association with Israeli institutions, citing accountability for “Israel’s” actions in Gaza.
Observers say these cultural protests reflect a broader strategy by European activists to challenge “Israel’s” global narrative and draw attention to Palestinian suffering, signaling potential further disruptions at Israeli-linked events across the continent.
BDS France calls for cancellation of 'Israel' Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts
Earlier this week, BDS France joined forces with several organizations to call for the cancellation of a series of concerts by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), including a performance scheduled for November 6 at the Philharmonie de Paris.
The concert in Paris featured conductor Lahav Shani and the IPO, which has been described by its own leadership as the “national orchestra of the State of Israel and its cultural ambassador in the world.” Activists argue that the orchestra’s international performances serve as a form of cultural diplomacy for "Israel".
Since early 2024, both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have recognized that actions by the Israeli forces in Gaza constitute violations of international law, including crimes classified as genocidal. Protesters contend that holding such concerts during the ongoing genocide and occupation constitutes a normalization of the Israeli entity.
La Campagne BDS France s’est associée à plusieurs organisations pour demander entre autres l'annulation du concert de l'Israel Philharmonic Orchestra prévu le 6 novembre à la Philharmonie de Paris.
— BDS France (@Campagnebds) November 3, 2025
Retrouver la déclaration commune ici : https://t.co/bfOPHy6tHq pic.twitter.com/dM858wiapS
The call for cancellations follows precedent in Europe. In September 2025, Belgium’s Ghent Festival canceled a concert conducted by Shani, prompting debates over artistic freedom, political responsibility, and accusations of antisemitism. Organizers of the Paris protest argue that institutions like the Philharmonie de Paris should demonstrate similar accountability.
The activists also highlighted what they perceive as double standards. In 2022, the Philharmonie de Paris canceled performances by Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra and conductor Valery Gergiev in solidarity with Ukraine, raising questions about consistency in responses to wars abroad.
🎶 NON au concert de l’Israel Philharmonic Orchestra le 6 novembre à la Philharmonie de Paris !
— Urgence Palestine (@urgence_pal) November 4, 2025
Ce n’est pas un simple événement artistique : c’est de la normalisation avec un État colonial et génocidaire.
✊ #BoycottIsrael #FreePalestine
➡️ https://t.co/WcourOM73w pic.twitter.com/Alp0QVMwE1
In response to the open letter from artists and audience members, the Philharmonie de Paris has claimed that the concert is purely artistic and not intended as a political statement. However, activists dispute this characterization, noting the orchestra’s role as a representative of "Israel" on the international stage.
Moreover, while the orchestra’s conductor, Lahav Shani, has claimed the Israel Philharmonic’s independence, the orchestra receives funding from the Israeli government.
It is worth noting that BDS France and its partner organizations are calling for the cancellation of multiple concerts across Europe, including performances in Essen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, and Rotterdam, as well as additional events at the Philharmonie de Paris in 2026.
