Israeli Ambassador Oren Rozenblat Demands Kanye West Concert Cancel in Portugal

Israel’s ambassador to Portugal, Oren Rozenblat, issued a video statement demanding the cancellation of Kanye West’s concert scheduled for 7 August at the Estádio Algarve in Faro/Loulé. Rozenblat cited the rapper’s past antisemitic remarks, praise of Adolf Hitler, and a comment that slavery was a choice, labeling the performance “hate speech” and “a disgrace for Portugal.” He urged the mayor of Faro to halt the event and called on the public to boycott it, noting that several European countries – Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, Switzerland and Slovakia – have already barred West from performing.

Portuguese authorities have not announced a cancellation, and concert organizer Torcato Jorge said security services found no national threat, confirming the show will proceed as planned. The concert is part of West’s international tour promoting his album Bully. The dispute highlights the clash between diplomatic condemnation of hate‑speech allegations and the continuation of a high‑profile music event in Portugal.