WhatsappTop Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder faced an alarming case of anti-Jewish discrimination when his scheduled performances at Boom Chicago, a renowned comedy club in Amsterdam, were canceled last minute. Despite the club’s commitment to free speech, Director Andrew Moskos caved to coordinated pressure from anti-Israel organizations, claiming “safety concerns” that police officials later denied.
🚨"Find a Jewish venue or club"
— Etana Hecht 🇮🇱 🇺🇸 (@etanadeeIL) January 22, 2025
OUTRAGEOUS anti-Jewish discrimination in the Amsterdam comedy scene ⬇️
Top Israeli comedian @yohaysponder was scheduled to perform two shows this weekend at @BoomChicago, an esteemed comedy club in Amsterdam.
Andrew Moskos, (@AndrewBoomBoom)… pic.twitter.com/no2fVd5W91
To add insult to injury, Moskos suggested Sponder find a “Jewish venue or club” to host his performance—an appalling display of bias against a Jewish comedian in a public, professional space. This shameful decision underscores the pervasive challenges Jewish artists face even in open, democratic societies like the Netherlands.
In true Israeli fashion, Sponder remains undeterred. He is actively seeking an alternative venue and will share updates on his Instagram. His resilience shines through, as he humorously incorporated this discriminatory experience into his set, remarking whether Anne Frank’s attic would qualify as a “Jewish venue.”
