The presence of cantor Shai Abramson “is at odds with the Concertgebouw’s mission to connect people with music,” according to the Amsterdam concert hall. According to the Concertgebouw, Abramson “plays an important role in the IDF” and represents the Israeli army at official events. “For the Concertgebouw, it is crucial that the IDF is actively involved in a controversial war and that Abramson is a visible representative of that.”
Abramson also describes this role on his own website. It states that he represents the “State of Israel and the IDF in Israel and abroad” as “chief cantor of the IDF at national commemoration ceremonies, official events, shows, and conferences.”
The Chanukah Concert Foundation previously found the Concertgebouw’s explanation of his “prominent role” in the IDF to be incorrect. He was reportedly asked by the State of Israel as an independent singer to sing at commemoration ceremonies.
The foundation also believes that this explanation promotes “negative sentiments toward Israel, the Jewish community in the Netherlands, and the audience for this concert.”
Since the summer, the Concertgebouw has asked the foundation in several discussions to replace the singer.
The foundation refuses to do so, and no other solution has been found, according to the Concertgebouw. The concert was scheduled for December 14th.
