It seems that the Israeli and Iranian Government have reached a consensus on what was to be a conference bringing mutual understanding through music.
Daniel Barenboim’s work of trying to overcome cultural differences between Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews has meant that he has steadfastly used his music to bring together musicians from both communities and has utilised his skills and gifts of engaging wider audiences, to promote peace. To many, he has been seen as an icon and ambassador of peace and tolerance.
However, this does not seem to the case with the Israeli cultural minister who did not want Barenboim to play in Iran and the Government of Iran who barred him because of his nationality. Iranian Government sources cited security reasons for barring Barenboim from playing in Iran.
This is a missed opportunity for Iranians to hear and see someone whose life’s work has brought pleasure and joy to many and is a missed opportunity for those in Israel who want to see diplomacy as a way forward to reducing the real tensions between Israel and Iran.