The 2014 opening of The Death of Klinghoffer at the Metropolitan Opera faced intense backlash from protesters who viewed the opera as antisemitic for its portrayal of Palestinian terrorists. The opera recounts the 1985 hijacking of a cruise ship, focusing on the murder of a Jewish-American passenger, Leon Klinghoffer. Protesters, some of whom had not engaged with the opera, expressed that it unjustly legitimizes violence against Jews. The controversy surrounding the opera intensified following events post-9/11. This dynamic situation reflects broader cultural tensions relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and artistic portrayals of violence and identity.
The opera's attempt to humanize all characters, including terrorists, led to violent public backlash, as protesters claimed it unjustly sympathized with Palestinian actions against Israel.
Despite its accolades, the production has faced persistent claims of antisemitism, with protesters shouting accusations at patrons and labeling the opera an affront to Jewish identity.
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