Zubin Mehta, internationally renowned conductor who has been chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for many years, will conduct the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra outside Gaza, demanding that Hamas allow a Red Cross visit to Gilad Shalit.

The orchestra will play classical music in an open air concert sponsored by private donors. Singer Shlomo Artzi is expected to appear as well.

Mehta said he hopes the concert will inspire Gaza residents to pressure Hamas to allow the International Red Cross to see Shalit, who has been denied contact with human rights groups since being kidnapped in 2006. "Four years without a single visit is too long," the Indian-born musician told reporters.

The concert coincides with a 12-day march to Jerusalem calling for Shalit's freedom. The march is led by Shalit's parents, Noam and Aviva, who have called on the government to do more on behalf of the young soldier.

The Shalit rallies are not without controversy. Maj.-Gen. (res.) Elazar Stern warned Sunday that the pressure to free Shalit at "any price" - a view supported by many pro-Shalit organizers - is prolonging Shalit's stay in captivity.

Organizers of the Shalit rally have called on the government to give in to Hamas demands, a move which Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warned over the weekend would strengthen Hamas and increase terrorism.

via israelnn.com