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Jazz club defends decision to host antisemite Gilad Atzmon
On Saturday, Club 606 is due to host Mr Atzmon, whose past statements include 'Jewish ideology is driving our planet into a catastrophe'
January 30, 2020 10:14
On Saturday, Club 606 is due to host Mr Atzmon, whose past statements include 'Jewish ideology is driving our planet into a catastrophe'
January 30, 2020 10:14An iconic London Jazz club has defended its decision to host saxophonist Gilad Atzmon, a notorious antisemite and Holocaust revisionist.
Club 606 is due to host Mr Atzmon, whose past statements include "Jewish ideology is driving our planet into a catastrophe" and “I'm not going to say whether it is right or not to burn down a synagogue, I can see that it is a rational act,” on February 1 alongside his band.
The Club received an email complaining about its decision to host the musician on Monday; however, the owner Steve Rubie, who is Jewish, defended the decision to host Mr Atzmon.
He acknowledged that the musician had “sailed way too close to the wind sometimes” but defended him against accusations of racism.
He told the JC: “I have known Gilad in excess of 15 years and over that time have discussed various issues for what I imagine would be in excess of 100 hours. So I like to think I have a reasonable grasp of his views and ideas.
"And based on my many conversations I feel pretty confident in saying that Gilad is not antisemitic. Vehemently anti-Zionist certainly, but that, I would suggest, is a different thing."
He said that he probably disagreeed "with about 80 per cent" of what Mr Atzmon has said but added: "In a free democracy as long as there is no intent to incite hate or violence then people should be allowed to express their views without fear of retribution."
Mr Atzmon told the Jewish News on Tuesday: “Not once in my life did I criticise Jews as people, race or ethnicity.
“I am critical of some aspects of Jewish identity politics. My books and articles on the topic are published in dozens of languages.
“Needless to mention that my concert in the 606 and in many other music venues around the world are musical events rather than political gatherings and if this is not enough, half of the members of the ensemble are actually Jewish.”
Mr Atzmon rejected claims of historical revisionism, arguing: “Chapters in the past that can’t be discussed freely, or be revised or rewritten, often deteriorate into dogmas and religions.”
He said: “I actually insist that the Holocaust should be treated like all other genocides and be translated into a universal message against all forms of operation and racist abuse.”
In December 2018 Mr Atzmon was barred from performing with rock band The Blockheads at the council-owned Islington Assembly Hall.
Islington Council said it had received a complaint from a member of the Jewish community.
Earlier that year, Mr Atzmon apologised in the High Court to Campaign Against Antisemitism chairman Gideon Falter, whom he had accused of profiting from fabricating antisemitic incidents.
The CAA said Mr Atzmon's attack on them was in response to its efforts to have him banned from music venues.
