Throughout the brouhaha over “The Death of Klinghoffer,” Peter Gelb, the Metropolitan Opera’s general manager, has sought to deflect criticism that the work is anti-Semitic by pointing out that he is himself Jewish (“‘Klinghoffer’ Protest Moves Beyond Right Wing,” Sept. 26). Now, it seems, Gelb has ratcheted it up a notch by presenting himself not as just a member-in-good-standing of the Jewish community but as an out-and-out defender of the community’s interests.
Thus, according to your report, he argued to a group of Jewish leaders that for the Met to cancel its production of the “Klinghoffer” opera “would increase anti-Semitism because it would appear that Jews were controlling the arts.” Yet Mr. Gelb did not allow any compunction about Jews controlling the arts to keep him from accepting his lofty position as general manager of America's foremost opera house. Alas.
Manhattan
