The Sydney Festival will not hand back sponsorship money from the Israeli embassy that led to a major artist boycott.

Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin and Tel Aviv’s Batsheva Dance Company’s work is being funded by a $20,000 grant from the Embassy of Israel in Canberra.

Businessman David Kirk apologised to artists caught up in the controversy.

Australian Jewry Executive Council co-CEO Alex Ryvchn told Joe Hildebrand the apology sends a “dim and unfortunate message”.

“These activists will view this as something of a victory and they will look to do this again at future festivals.

“It’s important that people take a stand, tell them to get stuffed and allow this to go no further.”

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