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| Volume 55 Number 21, September 13, 2025 | ARCHIVE | HOME | JBCENTRE | SUBSCRIBE |
Workers' Weekly salutes the renowned Israeli conductor Ilan Volkov for speaking out at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall against Israeli crimes. Given the attempts, not least in cultural circles, by the Israeli-Zionist lobby to silence the voices of those who would speak out against such crimes and stand with Palestinians who are resisting these crimes, Ilan Volkov showed exemplary courage in following his conscience.
The conductor spoke from the podium on September 11 at the conclusion of a concert of the music of Brahms, Stravinsky and Gabrieli. His message was:
"Thank you all for sharing this amazing music together. It's a real privilege to be here every year with my friends the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
"In my heart there is great pain now, every day for months. I come from Israel and live there. I love it, it's my home but what's happening is atrocious and horrific in a scale that's unimaginable. I know that many of us feel completely helpless in front of it. Innocent Palestinians being killed in thousands, displaced again and again, without hospitals and schools, not knowing when's the next meal. Israeli hostages are kept in terrible conditions for almost two years and political prisoners are languishing in Israeli jails.
"Israelis-Jews and Palestinians won't be able to stop this alone. I ask you, I beg you all to do whatever is in your power to stop this madness. Every little action counts while governments hesitate and wait. We cannot let this go on any longer, every moment that passes puts the safety of millions in risk.
"Thank you."
The statement was met by tumultuous applause from the packed audience, including from the members of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra itself. This response shows the deep sentiment of broad sections of the people to end the genocide and affirm the Palestinians' right to be.
To one heckler, Ilan Volkov retorted, "You can go if you don't want politics. But politics is part of life."
After the concert, he announced that he will no longer perform in his own country in protest against the war in Gaza. And, in fact the conductor has previously boldly taken a stand in Israel itself. He has protested, along with many other concerned people, in the centre of Tel Aviv, with signs reading "GHF=death and starvation" and "Genocide Hunger Foundation". "They call it aid, but it's part of the machinery of extermination," said Volkov. "Every day they operate under this false humanitarian cover, more Palestinians die of hunger or are shot trying to survive. We refuse to let them hide in comfort while Gaza starves."
Jessica Duchen, writing in The Times, said: "Volkov is well known as a conductor for his collegiate approach, intellect and integrity." She adds: "Volkov built a strong career in the UK, becoming chief conductor of the London Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and later the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. His passion for contemporary music is reflected in the international festival he founded in 2012, Tectonics, held in Iceland and Glasgow." And she quotes the conductor: "What we have to do is have solidarity with each other. Work together. Listen to each other. ... The only way that I can contribute to a peaceful future is by actually standing with the Palestinians."
Bravo, Maestro Volkov!