Kevin Sutton wrote:

>Perhaps you can give us some personal comments or feedback about the
>recent controversy surrounding that made the news over here in the US.
>I would be interested to hear an opinion or evaluation on the matter from
>one who actually lives in Israel.

Here, then, is an opinion on "the playing of Wagner's music in Israel
...  from one who actually lives in Israel".

First of all, Wagner Music is not something vital or indispensable for me.
I can very well manage without it!

BUT:  As a matter of principle I am against a music boycott.  I think that
that is the sort of thing our enemies used to do, and it does not suit us.

I suppose all the arguments of the "anti-Wagnerites" are true.  Wagner was
an anti-Semite, and the Nazis loved him.

But consider the following:

1.  Herzl was a great Wagner fan.  According to his autobiography, Herzl's
only relaxation while writing his Judenstaat, was listening to Wagner
music, in particular to Tannhaeuser.  To me personally, Theodor Herzl is
more important than Adolf Hitler.

2.  Where were all those well-meaning Wagner-protesters when the convicted
German war criminal Dr Hermann ABS not only visited our country in 1969,
but was wined and dined by our entire political and economic leadership?

3.  Personally, it gives me the shivers when I see one of those Volkswagen
Beetle on our roads.  (It was the most popular car here, about 30 years
ago!) It makes me visualise a famous photograph of a beaming Fuehrer
admiring the first Volkswagen model.  However, I concede the right to
anybody who would wish to buy that particular brand of vehicle.  But
why should he interfere if I would wish to see a Wagner opera?

4.  On 4 Dec 1981 the Jerusalem Post proudly informed us that a Jerusalem
scientist had been granted a prestigious Energy Prize by the Alfried Krupp
von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation of Essen, Germany.  In the very same
issue of the Jerusalem Post it was announced that the Yad Vashem board of
directors had publicly opposed the performance of Richard Wagner music in
Israel!  [Historical note:  On 31 July 1948 a Nuremberg military tribunal
had sentenced that same Krupp to 12 years imprisonment and confiscation of
all his property.]

Is it surprising if one reaches the conclusion that the subject of boycott
of German things is very much related to German Marks? Is the suspicion
unfounded, that were Herr Richard Wagner to appear in person on these Holy
Shores, equipped with a suitable cheque made out to the Israeli Opera,
there would be no more objection to showing Tannhauser on our Israeli TV -
in full colour!

I would be very pleased to have your comments!

Best wishes,  Zeev Raphael, Haifa