Hanukkah Concert Cancelled
EUPJ condemns the decision by the Amsterdam Concertgebouw to cancel the annual B’nai B’rith Hanukkah Concert after pressuring organizers to replace the Jewish Israeli Cantor Shai Abramson. A religious, spiritual and joyful event that was never meant to be political has been turned into something completely different. Excluding a Jewish cantor from a traditional religious celebration is nothing but discrimination. We do not understand why B’nai B’rith was asked to do so. The arguments of the Concertgebouw strongly resemble those of other economic and cultural boycotts of Israeli nationals and institutions.
Traditionally there have been strong and historic ties between the concert hall and the Dutch Jewish population which has been under strain over the last two years. Chanukah is a time to celebrate light over darkness. No artist should ever be judged or banned because of their nationality or faith.
EUPJ stands in full support of B’nai B’rith and wish them every success in their attempts to reverse this wrongful decision.
