Local activists protest Israel Philharmonic orchestra at Disney Hall

One performance will be inside, by the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), and the other will take place outside the entrances to Disney Hall.

The IPO performs internationally as a cultural ambassador for Israel. Local protesters want to use the orchestra's visit to Los Angeles to bring attention to what they call Israel's oppression of Palestinians. Marsha Steinberg, 70, who identifies herself as a pro-Palestinian activist and an American Jew, says the protestors are "responding to human rights issues...it's about the idea that Israel is going to send around all its cultural ambassadors in a way that would distract from the reality of the country."

Steinberg expected around 50 protesters from several organizations at tonight's protest, including other Jews like herself. She says its her duty to her Jewish heritage. "I was raised to believe that Jews stood for justice, that those who had suffered oppression and discrimination were obligated to stand against that when they see it happening to others."

Although the IPO didn't respond on the record for this article, its musical director, famed conductor Zubin Mehta, has previously said that he accepts the protests as long as they don't disrupt performances, calling that the protests the price of performing in a democracy. Mehta has led the orchestra for 15 years.

Tonight's protest will begin at 7 p.m. and will include street theater and a musical performance.

Front Page Cover Story Photo courtesy of Damian Gadal via Flickr.
Story Photo courtesy of Apoorva Guptay via Flickr.