The opening performance of an Israeli dance troupe at the Edinburgh International Festival was disrupted four times last night, as protesters in the audience shouted “free Palestine.”
The Batsheva Dance Company members stopped as the protesters were removed by security, but then continued. The disruption was not a surprise, as pro-Palestinian activists had announced it beforehand.
An Israeli Embassy spokesman said that it was clear the demonstrators were “not motivated by any desire to help the Palestinians or advance peace, but only to sow hatred.
“We are delighted the audience gave Batsheva repeated standing ovations. We call on Britain to condemn disturbances to Israeli cultural performances. We are committed to ensuring that Israeli-British cooperation will continue to flourish.”
The show, which was attended by Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat and Israeli ambassador to Britain Daniel Taub, has been dogged by controversy since it was announced.
For more, go to Haaretz.com
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