The Haifa Symphony Orchestra changed its program at the last minute last night and canceled plans for performing a work by the German composer Richard Wagner, after pressure was exerted on orchestra officials by leading Israeli personalities, including a number of sponsors of the orchestra, who objected to the inclusion of the German work in the program on the night commemorating the 25th anniversary of Crystal Night.
Along with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kol Yisrael broadcasting service, the Haifa orchestra had been unofficially boycotting the works of Wagner until the Haifa grouped decided to include the composer’s work in last night’s program. They were forced to change the program, however, due to public pressure.
Two organizations of Austrian Jews held mass meetings last night in Tel Aviv, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Crystal Night in 1938, when the Nazis began their campaign of terror against Jews by burning synagogues and beating and killing Jews throughout Germany and Austria.
One of the meetings was held by the Central European Settlers Association, and the other by the World Association of Austrian Jews. The participants decided to send a delegation to Bonn to try to secure reparations granted to German Jews.
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