Bart De Wever, the Prime Minister of Belgium, has apologized to Lahav Shani after the Flanders Festival Ghent canceled his concert due to his involvement with the Israel Philharmonic.

Wever took to social media and said, “Just attended a wonderful performance in Essen by the Münchner Philharmoniker conducted by Lahav Shani. Immediately after the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas, I expressed my fear that the Israeli government would allow itself to be drawn into an endless violent conflict in Gaza. Unfortunately, that fear came true, with all the terrible consequences that entailed. That is why Belgium supports all targeted sanctions proposed by the European Union to end the war. The interests of innocent civilians, regardless of their origin or beliefs, are paramount in this regard.”

He added, “However, let me be very clear: there will never, ever be any room for racism and antisemitism in this country. That is where I draw the line. I therefore strongly condemn the recent cancellation of the Münchner Philharmoniker by the Flanders Festival Ghent, solely on the basis of the origin of conductor Lahav Shani. I insisted on conveying this message to him personally and expressing my appreciation for his contribution to the power of music.”

Wever had previously condemned the cancellation of the concert and said, “To impose a professional ban on someone solely because of their origin is both reckless and irresponsible. Equally troubling is the unprecedented requirement that artists provide written statements of their political views. This runs directly counter to the very essence of artistic freedom. I deeply regret the festival’s decision, which has inflicted severe damage on the reputation of our country.”

On Sept. 10, the Flanders Festival Ghent announced it was canceling the concert by the Munich Philharmonic because Lahav Shani, who was conducting, is the Israel Philharmonic’s music director. The festival said, “The decision has been made on the basis of our deepest conviction that music should be a source of connection and reconciliation. First and foremost, Flanders Festival Ghent aspires to be a place where artists, audiences and staff can experience music in a context of respect and safety. Lahav Shani has spoken out in favor of peace and reconciliation several times in the past, but in the light of his role as the chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, we are unable to provide sufficient clarity about his attitude to the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv. In line with the call from the Minister of Culture, the city council of Ghent and the cultural sector in Ghent, we have chosen to refrain from collaboration with partners who have not distanced themselves unequivocally from that regime.”

The cancellation elicited outrage from numerous organizations, including the Berlin Philharmonic and Berlin State Opera. The Musikfest Berlin even invited the orchestra and conductor Lahav Shani to perform on Sept. 15, 2025.