The Israeli embassy in Denmark has expressed serious concern following a pro-Palestinian demonstration during a Fontaines D.C. concert at the Roskilde Festival. The demonstration, which lasted for approximately ten minutes, involved activists leading the audience in chants and displaying messages on large screens.

The embassy specifically highlighted the use of the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” arguing that it promotes the destruction of Israel and Jewish self-determination, especially given the rise of antisemitism in Europe. They consider this particularly disturbing in light of the Nova Music Festival attack, where Hamas killed 378 Israelis.

Roskilde Festival acknowledged that they were aware of the planned activist presence on stage. However, they believe the demonstration did not violate the festival’s guidelines regarding hate speech, discrimination, or incitement to violence. The festival emphasized its commitment to freedom of expression and sees public debate sparked by artists’ messages as a vital part of a democratic exchange of views.

The embassy claims that the activists’ slogans do not call for peace, but for the elimination of Israel. They stated that the war in Gaza could end immediately if Hamas surrendered and freed the remaining 50 Israeli hostages. The embassy further noted that no one appears to be advocating for the release of these hostages.

The on-screen messages displayed during the demonstration included the statement “Israel is committing genocide. Use your voice.” Berlingske reported that audience members present during the demonstration confirmed that phrases such as: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” were chanted.

The embassy urges Roskilde Festival organizers, artists, and public figures to distance themselves from what it characterizes as hateful rhetoric. Roskilde Festival maintains that it will take responsibility and act if any statements are specifically assessed to exceed their limits.