The UK Ballet and Opera eliminates Tel Aviv “Tosca” after the protest

the UKRoyal Ballet and opera Its production was canceled 2026, planned by “Toseca” in the Israeli opera in Tel Aviv, After internal protest against the organization’s position in Gaza, Guardian It was mentioned on Monday.

The decision follows an open message signed by 182 employees, including dancers and musicians, and criticized the company’s relations with Israel amid the ongoing conflict. The employees called for refraining from supporting institutions that give legitimacy to a country participating in “crimes against humanity”.

The message does not mention the mass atrocities committed by Hamas against civilians in southern Israel October 7, 2023, Including the killing of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 others. It also does not indicate that the hostages who are still being held in harsh conditions by terrorists in the tape.

Alex Bird, RBO CEO, confirmed the decision in an internal message that recognizes the employees’ concerns, saying: “We have made a decision that our new production from Tosca will not go to Israel.”

The Israeli opera site no longer mentions the Royal Opera House, which is the main theatrical home for the Royal Ballet and the Opera, located in the Kovont Garden region in Central London.

The signatories accused the Jewish state of being linked to the continuous genocide in Gaza – a charge that Jerusalem strongly denies. The message also indicates that the location of Tel Aviv publicly provides free tickets for Israeli Defense Forces soldiers.

“It is clear that RBO issues a strong political statement by allowing its production and intellectual property in a place that is publicly rewarded and gives legitimacy to the forces responsible for the daily killings of civilians in Gaza,” says the letter.

Israel imposes military service in the Israeli Defense Army for all citizens over the age of 18 and who Jews, Druze or Serkesian, with some important exceptions.

The message also expresses solidarity with a member of the Royal Opera House in London, dismantled the Palestine Liberation Organization flag during the final curtain of “IL Trovatore” from Giusepe Perdi on July 19.