“A shame for Portugal”: Israeli ambassador urges cancellation of Kanye West concert in Algarve

Israeli Diplomatic Representative Demands Algarve Concert Halt

Poinews.com – The Portuguese Embassy of Israel has formally requested that Kanye West’s upcoming performance in the Algarve region be called off. Ambassador Oren Rozenblat cited the musician’s controversial public declarations as justification, characterizing them as antisemitic and supportive of Nazi ideology. The diplomatic mission argues these remarks transcend simple provocation and qualify as hate speech.

Ambassador’s Video Statement

In a social media video, Rozenblat articulated his position clearly:

“Someone who glorified Hitler, promoted antisemitism and claimed that slavery was a choice, a remark that deeply offended millions of descendants of slavery’s victims. This is not provocation, it is hate speech.”

The ambassador further noted that the artist previously stated he “liked Hitler” and identified himself as “a Nazi.” According to the embassy, such declarations represent an attempt to glorify the Nazi regime while simultaneously offending communities impacted by racism and slavery throughout history.

Call for Public Boycott

Rozenblat emphasized that democratic nations ought not provide platforms to individuals who champion Nazism and antisemitism. He pointed out that several other countries have already implemented restrictions on the performer’s ability to enter their territories or hold shows.

The Portuguese embassy has written to the mayor of Faro requesting cancellation of the event. Citizens are being urged to stay away, with the ambassador describing the continuation of the concert as “a disgrace for Portugal and for the Portuguese.” He clarified that the matter extends beyond political stances on Israel, focusing instead on what he views as expressions of hatred directed at Jewish people.

The ambassador posed a rhetorical question to the public: would Portuguese citizens purchase tickets for an artist who encouraged violence against other groups, including Black communities, Muslims, Christians, and LGBT individuals? He maintained that antisemitism deserves equal consideration under this principle.

Organizer Defends Event

Torcato Jorge, co-founder and CEO of Raya Culture, dismissed the cancellation demands as unnecessary. Speaking with Euronews, he characterized the situation as “a non-issue” fueled by “disinformation.” The organizer confirmed the music event will proceed as planned.

Jorge explained that cancellation would only become necessary if security services identified a national threat to public order, which has not occurred. He stated that the Portuguese Intelligence Service (SIS) has not classified the American citizen as either a national threat or a terrorist. For such a classification to exist, he noted, an internal state security report would need to declare the individual ineligible for entry into the country.

“Each country is free to decide whether or not to allow a citizen to enter, but within the European Union no country has vetoed his entry into its national territory.”

The organizer acknowledged that the controversy has evolved into “a political matter,” yet expressed confidence that all legal requirements have been satisfied from the beginning.

International Concert Troubles

Kanye West, also known by his stage name Ye, has faced numerous international controversies in recent years. His comments have been labeled antisemitic, and his behavior has drawn criticism, including incidents involving sexist attitudes such as the episode with his wife Bianca Censori at the Grammys.

Despite offering apologies for certain remarks, the rapper’s European tour has encountered significant obstacles. Multiple concerts have been called off across the continent:

In the United Kingdom, three performances at the Wireless festival scheduled for July were cancelled after British authorities revoked the rapper’s entry permission. France saw the artist postpone a Marseille concert following local authority criticism. Poland cancelled a June show citing legal and formal grounds after its culture minister condemned the musician’s antisemitic declarations.

Switzerland’s FC Basel opted against hosting the planned stadium concert, declaring they did not wish to provide the artist with a platform. Italy also experienced cancellations, with a July show in Reggio Emilia banned by local authorities due to security and public order concerns, particularly regarding potential protests and unrest. Rapper Travis Scott similarly had his concert cancelled in that same Italian city.