Boom Chicago cancels Yohay Sponder’s comedy show over safety concerns
Comedy club Boom Chicago has canceled two performances by Israeli-Jewish comedian Yohay Sponder, citing safety concerns following online backlash and threats. The decision has sparked controversy, with police and the city of Amsterdam denying involvement in the club’s decision.
“Due to the climate in Amsterdam, reactions, and concerns reportedly expressed by police, we can no longer allow Yohay Sponder’s performances on January 25,” Boom Chicago director Andrew Moskos wrote in an email to Sponder’s manager, Het Parool reports. Moskos added that the club would assist in finding an alternative venue, potentially a “Jewish location” or another club.
The cancellation follows a week of rising tensions. On social media, accounts such as linksinhetnieuws and studentintifada_nl called for mass email campaigns urging Boom Chicago to cancel Sponder’s shows. The accounts labeled Sponder an “ultra-Zionist” and criticized his show The Self Loving Jew, alleging it promotes Israeli propaganda. Example emails for complaints were circulated online, increasing pressure on the club.
Moskos described the situation as “complex” and said the decision was made reluctantly. “We prefer not to cancel shows, but given the reactions and threats, we had no other choice. Boom Chicago stands for freedom of expression, but in the current situation, we cannot facilitate it,” he said. Ticket holders will receive refunds.
Kayla Sponder, the comedian’s manager and wife, criticized the decision and expressed frustration over the suggestion to relocate the performance to a “Jewish location.” “It reminds us of very dark times in Europe,” she said. “Freedom of expression is for everyone, regardless of whether people agree with the ideas or not.”
Moskos said he understood the frustration but defended the club’s decision, stating it was made to prioritize safety. “We believe humor should bring people together, but unfortunately, we do not live in a world where that is always possible,” he said.
Despite Moskos’ claim that police concerns contributed to the cancellation, an Amsterdam police spokesperson denied any involvement. “The shows were not known to us, and no concerns were communicated to Boom Chicago,” the spokesperson said. Similarly, a spokesperson for Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema said the decision was made independently by the club, without consulting city officials.
The city spokesperson emphasized that performances should generally proceed as planned, with proper consultation between venues, police, and city authorities to address potential safety risks. “Such discussions did not take place in this case,” the spokesperson added.
