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Amsterdam concert hall cancels Chanukah show because singer is IDF’s chief cantor
Concertgebouw director Simon Reinink said that allowing Shai Abramson to perform would be ‘against our mission’
November 3, 2025 11:32
Concertgebouw director Simon Reinink said that allowing Shai Abramson to perform would be ‘against our mission’
November 3, 2025 11:32A concert hall in Amsterdam has called off its Chanukah show because the IDF's chief cantor was due to perform.
Shai Abramson, who represents the IDF at official events, was set to sing at the Concertgebouw for the annual event organised by Chanukah Concert Foundation.
However, the decision was taken to cancel the production, with the hall's director, Simon Reinink, saying that Abramson's presence would be "opposed to our mission".
"Making this decision was extremely difficult," Reinink said. "Only in very exceptional circumstances do we make an exception to our important principle of artistic freedom. It is with great sadness that such an exception has now arisen.
"The planned performance by the IDF's chief cantor is diametrically opposed to our mission - connecting people through music.”
In a statement, the venue claimed that it had been in discussion with the foundation and asked it to schedule a different singer, but the foundation refused, insisting on it being Abramson to take to the stage.
"Unfortunately, no other solution was found. Consequently, the Concertgebouw was forced to terminate its agreement with the foundation."
The hall did state, however, that it was open to reinstating the performance if a different singer was found.
And the venue went on to insist that Jewish performers more generally would be welcomed, saying: "In a time of rising antisemitism, we believe it is important to emphasise that the Concertgebouw will always remain a place where the Jewish community is welcome."
However, the foundation told Dutch News: “The Concertgebouw is effectively asking us to replace our religious leader, which is not within its authority.
"[It is] an isolating and polarising step [for] the sense of isolation currently felt within the Jewish community."
The foundation has reportedly threatened to take legal action against the Concertgebouw over the decision.
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