Irish music festival bans IDF veteran from attending in name of 'safe, welcoming, inclusive space'

The Rewild Festival, an Irish music festival held July 10-12, confirmed it prevented an IDF veteran from attending. Organizers stated they "became aware that a former member of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) was hoping to attend the festival as a paying guest." They added, "Rewild stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for our community." Consequently, "current or former members of the IOF are not welcome at Rewild."

He [the IDF veteran] will NOT be in attendance.

The decision drew condemnation from several activists and organizations. Former Irish defense and justice minister Alan Shatter criticized the festival for "promoting hate," noting the contrast with the Nova Music Festival massacre. The Campaign Against Antisemitism called the ban "xenophobia masquerading as progressivism," highlighting that conscription is compulsory in Israel. Israeli-Arab activist Yoseph Haddad also denounced the festival's stance, drawing parallels to the Nova massacre.