Amsterdam concert hall cancels Hanukkah concert over ‘Israeli’ military links

• The Amsterdam Concertgebouw canceled its Hanukkah concert over singer Shai Abramson’s role as chief cantor of the ‘Israeli’ army.
• ‘Israel’s’ ambassador to the Netherlands criticized the decision.

The Amsterdam Concertgebouw has canceled its annual Hanukkah concert, scheduled for December 14, after months of discussions with the Chanukah Concert Foundation.

The dispute centers on singer Shai Abramson, chief cantor of the ‘Israeli’ army, whose participation the Concertgebouw said conflicted with its mission “to connect people through music” amid the Gaza war.

The foundation refused to replace Abramson, arguing that excluding him would infringe on religious freedom and isolate the Jewish community.

Abramson has recorded recent videos in collaboration with the 'Israeli' army as well as other performances at national ceremonies and official events in ‘Israel’.

‘Israel’s’ ambassador to the Netherlands criticized the decision, calling it “shameful and reprehensible”, claiming that “military service” is mandatory in ‘Israel’ and should not bar an artist from performing.

Concertgebouw director Simon Reinink described the decision as “extremely difficult” and stressed that the venue remains welcoming to the Jewish community.

The foundation, meanwhile, called the cancellation an interference with its Hanukkah celebration and said it expects the concerts to go ahead with Abramson as cantor.

The cancellation reflected wider tensions in Europe over ‘Israeli’ artists’ participation in cultural events.