Israeli Conductor Ilan Volkov Arrested at Gaza Border Protest

Israeli conductor Ilan Volkov has been briefly detained by police during a protest near the Gaza border, where demonstrators condemned Israel’s actions in the enclave.

According to Haaretz, Volkov was arrested along with three others while holding placards reading “Stop Zionist Terrorism” and “Isolate Israel.” The group called on the international community to impose boycotts and isolation measures, saying this was the only way to “end genocide and bring decades of Zionist apartheid to a close.”

Volkov, 49, is Creative Partner of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Earlier this month, he made headlines at London’s Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms, where he delivered an impassioned statement on the Gaza war following a concert. Parts of his speech were met with opposition and were drowned out by noise in the hall.

“I was born in Israel, I live there, and I love my country,” Volkov said. “But what is happening [in Gaza] is unimaginably cruel and horrific. Tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed and displaced, with no hospitals or schools, and no certainty of their next meal. Israeli hostages have been held in terrible conditions for nearly two years, while political prisoners suffer in Israeli jails.”

Haaretz reported that Volkov and the other demonstrators were released shortly after their arrest.