NY demonstrators protest Met Opera over ‘Klinghoffer’ production, calling it anti-Semitic

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Demonstrators marked the start of the Metropolitan Opera’s season on Monday evening by protesting the planned production of “The Death of Klinghoffer” from outside of New York City’s Lincoln Center.

Most gathered behind metal barricades across the street, while some stood on the sidewalk in front of the arts complex, shouting “Shame on you!” at opera goers as they walked past. They carried signs accusing the Met of glorifying terrorism by including the opera, which they say is anti-Semitic, in its season.

The Met is scheduled to perform the opera between October 20 and November 15. It deals with the death of Leon Klinghoffer, a Jewish passenger on the cruise ship Achille Lauro, in 1985. The ship was hijacked by Palestinians, who shot the disabled Klinghoffer in his wheelchair and threw him over board.

The opera’s critics say it justifies the killers’ actions and is prejudiced against Jews. Supporters defend it on grounds of artistic freedom and say it presents a thoughtful take on all sides.

“It’s more than insensitive, it’s immoral,” said Carole Daman, who had come from Scarsdale in Westchester County for the protest.