22.10.2026 21:13
As Israel’s violent attacks on Gaza and the humanitarian crisis continue, the fact that Russian comedian Maxim Galkin, who described the massacres as "self-defense" and declared his open support for the Israeli army, is going to perform in Istanbul has caused great outrage. Ahead of the event planned to take place on October 25, civil society organizations called on the authorities to immediately cancel the show, which has drawn public backlash.
As attacks in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have lost their lives, continue, the fact that Russian comedian Maxim Galkin, known for defending Israel's massacres as "legitimate defense" and for his open support for Israel, is set to take the stage in Istanbul has drawn a major backlash. Ahead of the show planned for October 25, civil society organizations and citizens called for the event to be canceled immediately.
"ISRAEL WILL WIN" REMARKS AND OFFER TO JOIN THE ARMY BACK ON THE AGENDA Immediately after the clashes that began on October 7, 2023, Galkin, who made statements in favor of Israel and described the attacks as "legitimate defense," used the phrase "Israel will win" and stated that he would continue living in Israel. It was reported that the comedian at the center of the reactions said he was ready to join the Israeli army and fight if conditions permitted, and that if this was not possible, he would continue supporting the army through blood donations and financial aid.
Maxim Galkin CALL FOR PROTEST IN FRONT OF ISTANBUL CONGRESS CENTER ON OCTOBER 25 Maxim Galkin, the target of the reactions, is planned to take the stage at the Istanbul Congress Center Harbiye Auditorium on Sunday, October 25 at 19:00. After the scandalous statements came back on the agenda, the October 7 Movement took action and, in a written statement on October 21, called on the competent authorities to cancel the show. The movement stated that if the event goes ahead, its members and citizens will gather in front of the Istanbul Congress Center on October 25 to express their reactions.
STILL INCLUDED IN THE EVENT CALENDAR While the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and genocide allegations remain a hot topic in international public opinion, Galkin's upcoming stage appearance in Turkey is fueling the debate. As of October 22, the artist's Istanbul show continued to appear in his official event calendar, while no official statement had yet been made by the organizers or competent authorities regarding a cancellation decision.