It is not possible to stand by helplessly and in absolute silence while children are forced to starve to death and civilians are killed by bombs and guns. I ask myself whether a capital of culture, a city that makes culture its strategic objective, should not say or do something, even in its own small way, to stop the barbarism. It is true that more and more national governments, which also represent the capital cities of culture, are taking a clear and unequivocal stance against the occupation of Gaza.

But perhaps a word should be said in the world of culture.

In fact, some important figures in the world of culture have said something necessary. Almost 380 writers from the United Kingdom and Ireland, including Zadie Smith and Ian McEwan, denounced Israel's “genocide” in Gaza in an open letter, calling for a ceasefire. Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., Brian Eno and Kneecap have formed an artists' union to denounce the events in Gaza and the intimidation by pro-Israeli organisations.

It must be said that the Israeli people, the majority of the Israeli people, are not guilty, but victims. In fact, they are double victims. Victims once because of the barbarity committed by Hamas on that cursed 7 October. Victims a second time because, due to the government's misguided choices, the Israeli people find themselves increasingly isolated with old wounds that risk reopening.

And just as Israeli artists are not guilty, but victims.

Over a thousand Israeli musicians, writers and actors have called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the war in Gaza and have accused the government of deliberately murdering Palestinian civilians. On the Italian side, something has changed. In April 2024, a number of Italian artists, together with operators in the world of culture and entertainment, launched an appeal to support the decision not to accept professional invitations to Israel or funding from institutions linked to its government until it complies with international law and universal human rights principles.

The Palestinian question was also discussed on the eve of the latest edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, with a letter signed by over 70 former participants denouncing the attitude of the European Broadcasting Union, which in 2022, after the invasion of Ukraine, excluded Russia from the competition, while continuing to allow Israel to participate. The winner of Eurovision 2025, JJ (Johannes Pietsch), criticised the Israeli government and called for Israel not to take part in the 2026 contest in Vienna.

And do the capitals of culture have anything to say?
We believe that culture can truly be an antidote to barbarism. But to be so, culture must sow knowledge, humanity and kindness, and must not be indifferent to political choices. Capitals are not abstract entities, they are not labels, but the result of concrete actions involving hundreds, sometimes thousands, of citizens.

So, even if it is late, I believe it could take on great symbolic value if the national or European capitals of culture were to clearly state:
- no to the participation in cultural programmes of Israeli artists who do not openly declare themselves to be against this barbarism;
- no to cultural exchanges with Israel until this genocide stops;
- yes to the recognition of the State of Palestine.
- On 7 October, the lights of a symbolic monument in the capital city should be turned off.

The programmes of European capitals of culture cannot remain indifferent. Remaining indifferent and silent means not admitting that culture can be an antidote to barbarism.

Remaining silent means not existing.

Let's all make a stand. Let's remain human. Together.

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