JERUSALEM (JTA) — Renowned Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim will present a "peace concert" in the Gaza Strip.
Barenboim, a Palestinian activist, will direct an organization of 25 European musicians on Tuesday, the French news agency AFP reported. The so-called "Orchestra for Gaza" was announced Monday by the United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East peace process.
It marks the first time that Barenboim, who was granted honorary Palestinian citizenship, will visit Gaza. He and the musicians are set to enter Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah crossing, according to AFP.
Barenboim has played for Palestinians in the West Bank on several occasions. He was refused entry to Gaza through Israel on several occasions; it is illegal for Israelis to enter Gaza.
Barenboim lives in Berlin and, in addition to being a citizen of Israel, also is a citizen of Argentina and Spain.
"The concert is to try and bring something to the people of Gaza," he told APF. "It is not a political event in any sense."
