Israeli orchestra's performance at Giza Pyramids strikes sour note
Amid public outrage at a performance by an Israeli orchestra in Cairo, Egyptian authorities have stressed the event did not take place within the Giza Pyramids complex.
CAIRO — An Israeli orchestra recently performed near the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, as part of the celebrations to mark Israel’s 74th Independence Day in Cairo. The Firqat Alnoor orchestra posted photos of the May 14 performance with the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx in the background. In its Facebook post, the orchestra described the Egyptian audience at the event as “brothers."
Many Egyptians and Arabs denounced the event on social media as scandalous, saying that it did not befit Egypt. Several Arab media outlets also criticized the event.
Conductor Ariel Cohen told Israel’s Kan public radio station that performing in Cairo was a dream come true. “I couldn’t believe it … I couldn’t hold in my tears,” he added.
The musicians documented the trip on Facebook. The orchestra shared its members' joy, pride and excitement upon setting foot in Cairo and performing for the Egyptian diplomatic corps and others. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent their country in one of the most important countries of the Arab world.
