A pro-Palestinian group is claiming victory over the cancellation of popular Jewish musician Matisyahu’s concert in Chicago.
Matisyahu announced on social media on Friday that a sold-out show scheduled for that night at the House of Blues Chicago had been canceled “due to the threat of protests.” The cancellation was confirmed on Live Nation’s ticket event page.
“While the true details remain opaque and all responsible parties are blaming each other over this decision, we have not received any threats of violence against our security team, who are keeping a close eye on what is happening. “I can guarantee that each city,” Matisyahu wrote.
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Matisyahu’s sold-out concert at the House of Blues Chicago was canceled after a backlash from pro-Palestinians. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Matisyahu said the money refunded by House of Blues Chicago will be donated to the Bring Them Home program for hostage families to commemorate International Women’s Day for women and girls held captive in the Gaza Strip. The donation will be made to Israel’s United Hazara Emergency Medical Organization. .
“My fans and I are deeply hurt by this incident, but please know that we will not shrink from bullying and the pressure they exert,” Matisyahu wrote. “The impact of such tactics goes beyond me and the Jewish people. These individuals and the organizations that bow to their pressure are undermining the artistic expression, intellectual integrity, and empathy between people with different views and concerns. It threatens the foundation.”
“We will continue to put on the show, and we will always stand firm against hatred and march toward our true goal of long-term peace for all,” he added.
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Matisyahu had canceled concerts in Tuscon and Santa Fe last month due to anti-Semitism. (Rick Kahn/Getty Images)
The United States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) promoted “Chicago Victory” on social media on Friday, writing, “When we organize, we win!”
“Because of all the relentless pressure we put on the House of Blues and Live Nation, the racist and Zionist Matisyahu concert that was supposed to take place tonight has been canceled! We have made it clear that we support supporters of # # “Gaza Genocide is not welcome here! #Zionism is Racism,” USPCN wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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USPCN is Social media The group called on its supporters Thursday to call and email the House of Blues now and for the rest of the night, demanding they cancel racist and Zionist Matisyahu’s performance. “Do it,” he called.
The USPCN, Chicago Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression, SDS Chicago and Anti-War Committee Chicago planned to organize a protest outside the venue, according to the flyer.
Neither House of Blues nor Live Nation immediately responded to requests for comment.
The American Palestinian Community Network claimed a “victory” after a pressure campaign led to Matisyahu’s Chicago concert being canceled. (Rick Kahn/Getty Images)
Similar protest calls were made last month at the Rialto Theater in Tucson, Arizona, and the Meow Wolf venue in Santa Fe, New Mexico, forcing Matisyahu to cancel two other concerts.
The artists claimed the decision was due to anti-Semitic views held by the venue’s staff, but both venues insisted they canceled the show solely due to safety concerns. The New York Post reported.
The Santa Fe venue was the first to cut Matisyahu’s show, cutting it just an hour before his show was to begin.According to the local News Station KOAT 7“More than 150 staff members reportedly expressed concerns about the lack of safety,” as several local pro-Palestinian activist groups planned to protest outside the concert venue.
Counter-protesters also planned to confront pro-Palestinian groups outside Meow Wolf, prompting the venue to cancel.
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The Rialto Theater also canceled the Pennsylvania native’s show hours before showtime for the same reason. In a statement posted on Facebook, the venue’s account said: “The safety of our employees and guests is always our top priority. We are in the process of refunding all ticket holders. We apologize for the delay in notifying you of the cancellation.” Stated.
FOX News’ Gabriel Hayes contributed to this report.
