With respect, the first thing we (as scholars) ought to do is to
establish what Barenboim actually said about the cancellation of his
appearance in Ramallah; which, according to the report on "All Things
Considered", he regarded as a postponement. The reason for the concert
was for him to appear with a group of young Palestinian musicians, and
the purpose was expressed by him as an attempt to bridge the two sides
of the conflict. He spoke of the present situation as something almost
"childish" (his word), of "who-hit-whom-first, were it not so tragic".
He seemed angry and frustrated, and I never heard him or anyone else
speak in such strong terms. No mention was made of the issue of his
personal safety. But, who would have done something against a person of
his stature, on such a mission, at such a time?
-- Vivian Ramalingam
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