Brussels, June 2 –The European Jewish Congress stands with the Jewish Community of Lisbon in expressing profound concern over the planned concert by Ye (Kanye West) at the Algarve Stadium.
Ye has repeatedly promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, praised Hitler and glorified Nazism. These statements have been widely condemned and have no place in a democratic society.
This is not a question of artistic freedom. It is a question of whether public institutions, public venues and public entities should be associated with an individual who has repeatedly spread hatred against Jews and expressed admiration for a regime responsible for the murder of millions.
Public authorities and organisers in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Poland, Switzerland and most recently Italy, have chosen to cancel or distance themselves from events involving Ye. Portugal should follow their example.
At a time when antisemitism is rising across Europe and only days after the Lisbon Synagogue was targeted in an antisemitic act of vandalism, allowing such an event to proceed without a clear response sends a deeply troubling message. Jewish communities should not be left wondering whether their concerns are being heard.
We call on the relevant authorities, public entities and organisers to cancel this event and take all appropriate measures to ensure that antisemitism, Nazi glorification and hatred are not rewarded with public platforms, legitimacy or support.
