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Demonstrators protest Met Opera’s ‘Death of Klinghoffer’

NEW YORK

Demonstrators in New York have marked the start of the Metropolitan Opera’s season by protesting the planned production of “The Death of Klinghoffer.”

They gathered outside Lincoln Center on Monday carrying signs saying “The Met Opera glorifies terrorism.” The protesters say the opera is anti-Semitic.

The Met is scheduled to perform the opera between Oct. 20 and Nov. 15.

The opera 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 wheelchair- bound Klinghoffer and threw him overboard.

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.

Associated Press