Jewish reggae legend Matisyahu has once again been forced to cancel another sold-out concert – this time at Chicago’s House of Blues, where Friday’s performance was canceled due to “threat of protests.”
Matisyahu said his security team did not believe there was a threat, but that the House of Blues had canceled the show and paid a penalty. He added that he plans to donate the proceeds to organizations that advocate for Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
— Matisyahu (@matisyahu) March 8, 2024
The Chicago convention is the third time Matisyahu has been forced to cancel due to anti-Israel (and anti-Semitic) protests. As Breitbart News reported in February:
Anti-Israel staff at venues in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Tucson, Arizona forced the cancellation of a sold-out show by Jewish reggae sensation Matisyahu this week.
Matisyahu’s songs emphasize the hope for peace and unity. He has been openly and proudly pro-Israel, particularly in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attacks, and has performed for the Israeli military.
…
Matisyahu first appeared on the music scene more than a decade ago, when he was a deep observer of Hasidic Jewish tradition. He still observes closely, but no longer strictly. He has worked with artists from a variety of backgrounds, including Bruno Mars and Akon.
“My fans and I are deeply hurt by what has happened, but please know that we will not bow to these bullies and the pressure they exert,” Matisyahu said in a statement regarding the cancellation of the Chicago show. individuals and institutions that succumb to their pressure threaten the foundations of artistic expression…We will continue the show. And we will always stand firm against hate and ensure long-term peace for all. We will move forward toward our true goal.”
Joel B. Pollack is a senior editor at Breitbart News. Breitbart News Sunday Sunday nights from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT) on Sirius XM Patriot. He is the author of the recent book, The Zionist Conspiracy (And How to Participate in It), now available on Audible. He is also the author of an e-book. Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 US Presidential Election. He is the recipient of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter @joelpolak.
