It is well known that when people submit to dictatorship by censoring themselves, consciously or not, it is a sign that democracy is failing and that dictatorship is on the horizon. The conflict in Israel is growing and has worrying repercussions here in this regard.
1) At the Collège de France, Henri Laurens—certainly the foremost expert on the history of Palestine, described in five volumes—is organizing a symposium on this history. Under pressure from the CRIF—the Israeli organization that speaks on behalf of French Jews—and politicians, the president of this venerable 400-year-old institution has decided to cancel it. You have to read the message from Professor Héran of the Collège de France to his colleague (1) to understand the scandal that this represents. Especially since the Minister of Research—whose name many of us do not know—finds this fair and appropriate. I am convinced that the decision of the President of the Collège is not the result of political pressure but, much more seriously, of self-censorship; fear of pro-Israeli thugs and their far-right allies… Frankly, where are we headed? We need to listen again to what Malraux said about Genêt’s play Les Paravents, performed at the Théâtre de France, which drew the ire of the right and the military because Genêt did not mince words about the flag, etc. Malraux said much the same thing as Voltaire in his day: I don’t agree with X, but I will fight for his right to express himself. Since then, the play has been considered a great classic of the 20th century and, interestingly, Genêt was a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights… On the other hand, a symposium organized in the Senate and funded by Elnet and Netanyahu’s government poses no problem. Clearly, anything related to Palestine reeks of sulfur, but anything emanating from a genocidal government condemned by all authorities and which has not respected any United Nations laws for ages is perfectly valid. After that, we will be told that we are neutral in this conflict, or rather this genocide, and that we are just slightly on the side of the perpetrators of genocide, who are Jewish and not Muslim, a resurgence of colonialism no doubt.
2) The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra has been invited to play at the Philharmonie de Paris. We are perfectly entitled to consider music—like the arts in general—as something that should not enter the realm of politics. In this sense, this orchestra has certainly played Beethoven and other composers well; moreover, this orchestra is world-renowned because Israel has no shortage of talented musicians. However, after the proven genocide in Gaza and the ongoing violence in the West Bank by settlers and the army, this invitation should have been avoided. One cannot simultaneously recognize a Palestinian state and act as if nothing has happened in the face of the incredible violence that has gripped this people, who seem to think that killing all Arabs, including babies and children, is normal and ultimately desirable in order to achieve peace, while continuing to deny the root causes of this conflict. Need we remind you that these musicians are of an age to be part of the reserve army (at least 1-3 months per year) and that some of them have certainly taken part in the massacres! Do we really believe that those who consider that genocide, even when committed by Jews, is still genocide, should remain silent? Sorry, but the massacres of October 7 cannot justify this genocide, and morality will always be on the side of those who call a spade a spade and make no distinction between the executioners. The future of Palestine is bleak. They continue to kill about 40 people a day and starve them, and the great, slick president is doing everything he can to avoid the essential: recognizing that the Palestinians must have a say in what might eventually remain of their land.
Returning to the music, someone will have to explain to us how this “apolitical” situation was accompanied by the Israeli national anthem being played from the outset. It seems to me that this is never the case and that this august assembly has never—unless I am mistaken—heard a national anthem played by a guest orchestra. There were a few incidents, notably a smoke bomb being lit, but we can rest assured that the pro-Israeli fanatics quickly calmed them down with their characteristic aggressiveness. One commentator—on Cnews, of course—compared this to November 13, recalling our former president who compared himself to Dreyfus, showing that the right wing knows how to find the right comparisons when necessary. The president of the CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France) gave his usual spiel about the anti-Semitism of the protesters—once again playing the inexhaustible tune of confusing anti-colonialism/anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. The Israeli ambassador did better: “It wasn’t only Jews who protested.” It’s well known that Jews can be recognized by their faces, and so can goyim?
The president of the philharmonic said he didn’t know the orchestra would be playing the anthem…. Fair enough, but in that case, it becomes impossible to consider that this invitation had no political connotation. This director should resign because he has somehow failed in his mission, which is music and nothing but music within this venue. Clearly, for these musicians, as for other artists who participate in cultural events, the goal is to erase as much as possible the disastrous image of Israel, and this remains true in all fields of the arts and sciences. Can we imagine the Russian National Orchestra—certainly just as good—playing the national anthem in a strictly apolitical manner at the philharmonic?
3) President Macron has finally recognized Palestine, or at least what remains of it. So be it. Would it really be so difficult to officially boycott all Israeli events as long as at least the 600 trucks needed to feed the starving population in Gaza are allowed to pass, rather than the 50 or so that currently make it through each day? Frankly, when you listen to what De Gaulle had to say on the subject, you realize how far we have fallen! We are letting the fascist Israeli government quietly complete its genocide, and all is well, Madame la Marquise. Come on, show a little courage, and it will make an impression on the French, reminding them of their glorious past.
Picture : by Arthur Weidmann — Personnal work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://fr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15271642
