Jewish advocacy organization urges authorities to stop Kanye West show over antisemitism

CIDI, the Centre for Information and Documentation on Israel, has called for rapper Ye’s concert at Arnhem’s GelreDome on June 6 to be canceled. On Tuesday, the organization urged the Dutch parliament, the media, and Mayor Ahmed Marcouch to “say no to hate” and prevent the performance of the artist formerly known as Kanye West.

The rapper Ye recently said that his antisemitic remarks stem from a brain injury he sustained in a car accident 25 years ago. He recently issued a high-profile apology for his past antisemitic behavior and remarks, notably through a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal titled "To Those I’ve Hurt".

“West has repeatedly praised Hitler and displayed Nazi symbols in recent months,” CIDI said. “These are actions with historical significance, and expressing regret afterwards does not erase them.” The organization described Ye’s remarks as “a direct attack on the safety of the Jewish community in the Netherlands.”

Mayor Ahmed Marcouch of Arnhem stated that he has not yet received a permit request for the concert. Applications must be submitted at least two months in advance. Once the request is filed, the mayor will assess the implications for public safety, including managing potential counter-protests.

Marcouch clarified that past statements by the artist are not grounds to preemptively ban the concert. “No matter how appalling I find those comments, that alone isn’t a reason to deny a permit.”

If Ye were to make potentially illegal remarks during the show, the Public Prosecution Service would handle it. For Marcouch, the rapper’s past statements are “merely a signal,” and it remains the organizers’ responsibility to ensure compliance. He sees no reason why the concert cannot be held.

So far, GelreDome has not responded to CIDI’s appeal regarding the concert.