Bodyguards protecting conductor in Israel

JERUSALEM, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Famous Argentine conductor Daniel Barenboim reportedly enlisted the protection of bodyguards this week after receiving threats at his home in Israel.

Barenboim is taking part in the Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival and organizers decided to increase the security surrounding the performer after right-wing activists rallied at his home in Jerusalem and threatened to harm him, Haaretz reported.

Barenboim is a vocal critic of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians, the Israeli newspaper noted, adding the 65-year-old pianist and conductor was attacked several years ago by activists angered by his decision to appear at a concert in Ramallah.