World-renowned Turkish pianist and composer Fazıl Say (Foto:İzmir Metropolitan Municipality)
A few hours after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared a war against the “new anti-Semitism” while trying to hold back tears at the Reichenbachstrasse Synagogue in Munich on September 16, world-renowned Turkish pianist and composer Fazıl Say made a clear statement on what is meant by this “new anti-Semitism” definition.
Say, who has experienced the influence of the Israeli lobby in the world of art and culture, particularly in the context of the Gaza situation, posted the following on his X (Twitter) account:
“The major classical music institutions in Western countries are so pro-Israel that it’s embarrassing for me.
“I feel very lonely in this environment, even while making music or sharing emotions…
“It has become so manipulated that those who support Palestine are being accused of ‘anti-Semitism.’ It has turned ugly. They will feel ashamed. They won’t be able to sleep peacefully.
“What is happening in Gaza is GENOCIDE. PERIOD.
“We must not stay silent in the face of this crime, my colleagues! Wake up, music world! Be human! Please… please…
“Don’t remain silent in the face of this injustice! You can cancel as many of my concerts as you want. I want to live my life with honor. Play the concerts you wish, if your conscience allows it!”
Say names the issue
Fazıl Say has called the situation for what it is. The “new anti-Semitism” that Friedrich Merz refers to is, in fact, opposition to Israel’s ongoing actions that involve the mass extermination of Palestinians, including women and children.
Merz’s remarks are similar to those made a day earlier by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who, after visiting Israel following the Qatar attack, expressed support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while stating, “Recognizing Palestine emboldens Hamas.”
Say, by opposing the mass extermination of Palestinians, has been defamed by the Zionist factions in the classical music world, who had previously celebrated him.
For example, Say has a concert scheduled with the Berlin Philharmonic on September 30, where he is set to perform works by Bach and his own compositions. It remains to be seen whether this will be canceled, given the context of the war declared by the German Chancellor.
If, after this post, Say is accused of supporting Hamas, it would not be surprising.
We are approaching the limits of oppression.
What is Merz upset about?
Say opposes the killing of Palestinian children, their displacement, and the starvation they face. He speaks out against Israel’s racist aggression, and in doing so, he is neither promoting anti-Semitism nor supporting Hamas. He is advocating for humanity.
In contrast, Merz, by declaring war on the “new anti-Semitism” and framing this as Israel’s right to exist, does not appear to be defending either Jews or humanity.
Merz’s emotional response in his speech reflects his concerns over the current situation in Germany.
Today, not only in Gaza, but also in Ramallah, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen, civilians are being killed in Israeli attacks led by Netanyahu. The scale of this man-made disaster continues to grow, and Germany plays a significant role in this, being the second-largest arms supplier to Israel after the United States.
It’s worth considering why Merz became so emotional during his speech at the synagogue.
Who burned down the synagogue?
You are likely aware of the history of the Reichenbachstrasse Synagogue in Munich, which Merz “reopened” for worship. It was closed in 1938 during the November Pogrom, or Kristallnacht, when Nazi-instigated mobs burned down 1,400 synagogues, desecrated cemeteries, and killed over 90 people across Germany. This was the precursor to the Holocaust.
We need to ask Merz: Were Palestinians responsible for burning down that synagogue in 1938?
Were Palestinians the ones attempting to destroy European Jewry through a Jewish genocide?
Is the sense of guilt over the past attempts to exterminate European Jews influencing Merz’s support for Israel’s actions against Palestinians?
Now, will Merz declare war on the sensitive German public who, like Say, are speaking out not because they are anti-Semitic but because they are standing for humanity and opposing the destruction of Palestinians?
It remains uncertain how Merz will be remembered once he leaves office, but Fazıl Say, who continues to stand for humanity, will persist in playing his music and spreading joy and hope to his listeners.
