PARIS — French police have arrested four individuals following disruptions at a Paris concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, prosecutors confirmed Friday. The disturbances occurred when protesters lit smoke flares inside the Paris Philharmonic hall, interrupting the performance multiple times. Organisers said audience members intervened to stop the protest, allowing the concert to resume peacefully.
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The concert had drawn criticism from activist groups opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza over the past two years. Several groups, including the French branch of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, had written an open letter urging the cancellation of the event, arguing that the orchestra’s performance was an attempt to “restore” Israel’s international image.
Israel’s ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka, praised audience members for confronting the protesters, calling it “proof that France has had enough.” French Culture Minister Rachida Dati condemned the incident, emphasizing that “violence has no place in a concert hall” and reaffirming the importance of freedom of programming and artistic creation.
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The Paris protest mirrors earlier controversies, such as a Belgian festival that cancelled a performance by the same conductor, Lahav Shani, citing concerns over his association with the Israeli government. The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has led to heightened international scrutiny and cultural boycotts, while the UN has reported that more than 68,500 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.