A Jewish artist and his band were unable to perform at two events this week after some staff at the host venues reportedly refused to work at the events.
Matthew Paul Miller, well known to fans Matisyahuperformed at the Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, and was scheduled to perform at the Rialto Theater in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday. However, both shows were canceled at the last minute, with some left-wing and anti-Israel groups quickly taking credit for at least one cancellation, sparking speculation that the cancellations were motivated by anti-Semitism.
Matisyahu certainly sees things that way. On Thursday, he wrote a lengthy statement on Instagram, saying, “The reason staff at these venues refused to come to work…is because they’re anti-Semitic or because they have no sympathy for Palestinians and hate people like me. This is because they are confusing the two.”
Matisyahu even claimed in a statement that he offered to pay for the replacement staff out of his own pocket, but it was “in vain.”
He added: “It is truly a sad day when dialogue with those with whom we disagree is abandoned in order to incite hatred and silence artistic expression.”
As accusations of anti-Semitism began to swirl, Rialto executive director Kathy Rivers issued a statement flatly denying that the sudden cancellation had anything to do with “politics or religion.” “This decision was made based on safety. Temperatures varied that day and we did not dictate the tone,” she wrote in part.
Rivers said Matisyahu has still received his “full” payment for the canceled show and all ticket holders are eligible for a refund. “We have welcomed Matisyahu to the theater many times, but today was not the day to have him perform,” she said.
nevertheless, statement A coalition of “local unions and pro-Palestinian activists” suggests the cancellation in Santa Fe may be due, at least in part, to anti-Israel sentiment. The coalition claims its members have “inundated Meow Wolf with phone calls and social media posts,” as well as “members and leaders of the Meow Wolf Workers Collective,” calling out the venue for Matisyahu’s event. requested the cancellation.
The coalition said the 44-year-old singer supports “a campaign of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” and that one of his past social media posts included “Your pronouns will not be used.” ”, he said, calling it a problem. Stop jihadists from invading your home. ” The group characterized Matisyahu’s comments as “Islamophobic and transphobic.”
Meowwolf obviously didn’t respond. washington examineris seeking comment, making it difficult to determine the extent of the coalition’s influence on this issue. However, the Examiner found that Julie Heinrich, wife of Sen. Martin Heinrich (D.M. and stakeholder engagement, as well as employee volunteer activities. , and our nonprofit Meow Wolf Foundation,” she said. linkedin profile.
Last November, Mrs. Heinrich said, “We are committed to supporting the growth of arts and culture in our communities, especially among community-based organizations that use arts and creativity in innovative ways to serve populations that do not normally have access.” “We want to strengthen the ecosystem.” Announcement from the private Meow Wolf Foundation.
The Examiner will also refund the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, whose links to Mrs. Heinrich and the accusations of anti-Semitism at the venue are believed to be linked to Hamas and the October 7 terrorist organization. She suggested that this could cause problems for her husband, who had recently called out to her. attacks on Israelis. Last month, Sen. Heinrich joined 11 of his Senate colleagues in calling for the State Department to investigate Israel for possible war crimes.
The examiner asked Mrs. Heinrich for comment.
Matisyahu has built a long career thanks to his unique fusion of reggae and rap. Known for hit songs such as.king without a crown” and “one day. ”
He also holds some left-leaning views. He not only declared in his statement that he has “empathy for both Israelis and Palestinians,” but also that Americans live in “colonized lands” and that the United States He claimed to have committed “actual genocide of Native Americans.”
He also allegedly held an event at another location in Tucson on Thursday after Rialto pulled out. Although technically “free,” the event was organized to collect donations for the Israeli hostages. It is unclear whether the event was held as scheduled.
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