(live here) – A public outcry has developed in recent days following the decision of Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav to cancel the planned performance by artists Subliminal and Tzel on the eve of Independence Day. The decision has sparked angry reactions from elected officials, right-wing activists, and the artists themselves, who see it as a serious violation of freedom of expression and equal cultural opportunities. The direct intervention of Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, alongside the harsh words of Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar, only added fuel to the fire and turned the issue into a cross-sectoral public discourse.
Ben Gvir: This is a serious incident of silence
The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, did not remain indifferent to the affair and established direct contact with the Mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav. Ben-Gvir expressed firm opposition to the cancellation of the performance by Subliminal and the Shadow, claiming that this was a clear case of silencing and political discrimination. According to him, the Haifa Municipality cannot act anywhere and everywhere when it comes to public performances, and certainly not based on the political positions of the artists.
During the conversation between the two, Ben Gvir suggested holding a meeting between Yahav and Hatzel, and the mayor agreed. Ben Gvir noted that despite their political differences, there is an expectation of fair and responsible conduct on the part of the mayor, for the benefit of all city residents.
Yahav's explanation: We are looking for a unifying show for the holiday eve.
Following public criticism, Mayor Yona Yahav explained his reasons for canceling the performance. He said that the eve of Independence Day is an event aimed at uniting the public, and he wanted to avoid a performance that could stir up controversy.
The Shadow Responds: If the Performance Doesn't Take Place – We'll Meet in Court
Rapper Hatzel (Yoav Eliasi) was quick to respond to the cancellation of the performance with a post on social media, expressing frustration and disappointment with the municipality's decision. Hatzel claimed that this was illegal discrimination on political grounds, and noted that the performance could still take place if Yahav reverses his decision.
The shadow also emphasized that if the performance does not take place as planned, he and Subliminal intend to seek legal action. He said there is no reason to prevent them from performing on Independence Day Eve.
Criticism from the right: Freedom of expression is only preserved when it is convenient
The cancellation sparked a wave of criticism from right-wingers, who claimed that the municipality was acting hypocritically. Critics pointed out that in the past, when allegations were made about anti-Zionist content at Beit HaGefen events, the municipality defended their existence on the grounds of freedom of expression. In the current case, however, that freedom is not preserved for artists identified with the right.
These claims were widely echoed on social media and among political activists, who claimed that this was a selective enforcement of democratic and cultural values, and a political use of local government mechanisms.
Culture Minister Zohar: A delusional decision that harms democracy
Minister of Culture and Sports, Miki Zohar, joined the criticism of the Haifa Municipality's decision, calling it "delusional and contrary to freedom of expression and culture." He said that this is an exclusion of artists solely because of their political opinions - a phenomenon that is unacceptable in a democratic country.
Zohar added that a mayor who talks about freedom, equality, and democracy is expected to act according to those values even when it comes to artists from the other side of the political map. He criticized Yahav's refusal to answer questions on the subject from right-wing media outlets.
In his picture: Where are the human rights organizations now?
Shai Glick, CEO of the "In the Picture" association, attacked the organizations for the protection of civil rights, led by the Association for Civil Rights, for what he said were their choice to remain silent in this case.
He said that the same organizations that fought against the municipality in cases of restrictions on freedom of expression from the left, do not bother to respond when it comes to violations of the rights of artists from the right. "This is hypocrisy of the first order," said Glick, adding that if the performance of the shadow was canceled, events with inflammatory content from the other side of the map should also be canceled.
Subliminal and Shadow Response: We will consider further steps
Lawyer Yaniv Lankri, who represents Subliminal and Tzel, said that the artists thank Minister Ben Gvir for his personal involvement in the matter and for trying to bring about a solution. He said that if a meeting between the artists and the mayor takes place, they will update the public on its results.
Municipality: Maintenance work is not related to the decision
The Haifa Municipality stated that the conversation between Minister Ben Gvir and the mayor did indeed take place, and that Yahav accepted Ben Gvir's request to meet with the shadow. However, the municipality did not clarify whether the decision will be re-examined following the expected meeting.
Stormy public discourse: Questions about the limits of freedom of expression
The events surrounding the cancellation of the performance sparked a broad discussion about the limits of freedom of expression – especially in a public space funded by the local authority. Is the authority allowed to prevent a performance based on content, or is this an illegal act of censorship?
These questions are receiving mixed reactions from the public, with some defending the municipality's decision and others supporting it, arguing that a public space that unites and does not divide should be maintained. The upcoming decision that will be made after the meeting between Yahav and Tzel may set the tone for what follows – not just in Haifa, but in every city in Israel.
Yona Yahav, the hypocrite, bends democracy to suit his needs, simply disgusting.
There are a lot of opinions in Haifa. And if you continue to exclude right-wing opinions, we will take you into account in the elections.
What will you do with him in the elections? The elections are over and he said he won't run again.
Besides, if you voted for him and you consider yourself right-wing, your understanding of politics needs improvement.
You are arrogant. The one who is destroying democracy is Pee-wee and all his supporters who want to control the court like in any dictatorship. You are arrogant.
The silencers, the murderers of Prime Minister Rabin, those responsible for the October 7 massacre, and the initiators of the coup d'état, complain about being silenced.
Rabin was murdered by a son of a bitch. Elements affiliated with the left are condoning Netanyahu's blood.
Please do not dismiss an entire community that sheds its blood in war.
In a democracy, everyone has their own opinion, and everyone is equal before their peers.
And seek expression and art belongs to everyone in the public space!!!!
We have had enough of the Madon instigators. Let us, the residents of Haifa, live in peace with our Arab neighbors.
There is a place for everyone in Haifa!!!!
What intrigues me is whether the Minister of Pitah has any authority to intervene in the matter of who will appear in which city or is he continuing to seek likes?
Some nonsense in a few lines.
And if an artist from the left were to appear, you would probably be pleased if they rejected him.
This was a response to Dobby.
Ben Gvir, the next Prime Minister? Did you laugh?
Ben: Gvir, take care of the missions for the security of the citizens as I promised….You are a failure, go home……What about your appearances on Independence Day….It is because the shadow is associated with a dangerous Kahanist
We do not agree under any circumstances with dark racists who incite and cause chaos and riots. Let them go and perform either in the South or the North and for free to atone for their blatant words.
exactly
Mayor Yahav Shalom,
I think your decision is very correct and fair,
I hope you don't change,
In my opinion, these artists are also prone to racism and are not suitable for the mixed and pluralistic Haifa. Good luck.
In other words, leftist Haifa?
Only artists from the far left and your cousins?
Great Itamar, the next Prime Minister.
Although the battle in Haifa seems lost, the extreme leftists and their cousins, the brothers of the Palestinians, control the city and dictate who will demonstrate and who will not, and the righteous Shai Glick is running the campaigns here pretty much alone.
It's nice that they bring the variety of opinions on the subject, both those of the fascists and those of the non-fascists. Maybe it's worth bringing journalists back to the system...
My response to L. Why didn't you respond that Yona Yahav gave an Arab actress a role in Usa Abdel Hadi. This Arab actress came out and supported Hamas after 7/10. She didn't condemn their actions, the murder of children and babies, those Nazis, and she still complains that she is Palestinian. She died playing Beit Ha-Gan. Why did Idar allow the play to exist? She was tried for her actions and Yona still gave her a role in Beit Ha-Gefen and not a word was said against her.
Wait a minute.
There is a problem here.
So no, I don't know the story in depth and can't respond to the end, but I am going to respond according to what is written here in the article.
We need to address the whole thing. We can't threaten that they won't show up in Haifa.
And why is it not a good idea for them to appear in Haifa?
very simple.
Haifa is a city that prides itself on its coexistence.
So while there is no reason or need to discriminate against appearing based on political positions, there is an obligation to act in this way when it concerns a person who is determined to act with all his might from those political positions and whose mere appearance could cause riots.
The Shadow is also known for his racist statements towards Arab society in Israel. If he appears and, as is his habit, expresses himself on stage while doing so, he could cause riots on Independence Day eve from Haifa's Arabs and those who oppose his views.
Just as in Bnei Brak you wouldn't ask the Peles Foundation to appear because a woman or Aviv Gefen because he speaks out against the issues of the Jewish people, the same thing in Haifa, you can't let a person appear when he acts so decisively against a large population, the majority of which is in Haifa.
Why didn't we hear you come out against the performance of the Arab actress. Who came out in favor of Hamas and I allowed her to play. He was invited to perform in Kiryat Haim. . And not in the city of Haifa where Arabs live. What can I do as I am angry about the decisions of the municipality that were in favor of performances by Arab actors and a small number of Jews who came out and expressed an opinion, the grandson of the Jewish people
So you said democracy. Equality is tolerating each other.
A certificate of poverty for the fact that the Haifa Municipality invited this racist in the first place
exactly