July 29, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen
In an earlier statement, we referred to the antisemitism expressed at the end of the Eurovision Song Contest. Cultural events are an important part of society. As antisemitism has increased in the streets, on campuses and in all sorts of different associations, antisemitism has hijacked cultural events.
The trend has been especially noticeable in Europe, and it takes two main forms. First, the organizers suddenly cancel planned appearances by Israeli artists or musicians. Second, there are cultural events where artists or musicians express hateful antisemitism to the public. And this is especially worrying because this has such an impact on fans.
Recently in Glastonbury, Great Britain, Bob Vylan, a punk band, got an entire crowd to chant “Death to the IDF.”
Behind the band at the back of the stage there was a huge black canvas with “Free Palestine” and other such slogans. Several other musicians withdrew themselves from the music festival. They could not tolerate the antisemitism expressed by Bob Vylan. Music industry insiders in the UK commented that there is a problem within the music industry.
Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap – Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, with fellow band member Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin, right) and JJ O’Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí, center) – Getty Images
In London instead an Irish hip hop trio Kneecap played to a crowd of 45,000 fans.
All these people came to listen to them even though they support Hezbollah, which is a terrorist organization. As they appeared on the stage they cursed Israel in such a vile manner that it would not be fitting to put it in this statement.
Again, music professionals commented on Kneecap. Accordingly, just a few years ago it would have been unthinkable to play on stage and express support for a terrorist group. The band has expressed support for Hamas and has shown a Hezbollah flag on the stage. A member of the band has an impending court case brought against him. This is because in the UK supporting a terrorist organization is against the law.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association reacts to this news with worry and apprehension because of our mission and responsibility toward impressionable young people, the fans of these hostile and antisemitic groups.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association believes that everyone has a right to enjoy cultural events with no fear of antisemitic cursing or any hateful propaganda.
It is time to say Never Again!
The Holocaust Remembrance Association exists to remember, reconcile, and take a stand against antisemitism in all its forms.
