Community leaders set to respond to upcoming Ye (formerly Kanye West) concert at Superdome
By ALAN SMASON, Special to the CCJN
A concert scheduled for next Friday at the Caesar’s Superdome is being viewed as both a threat and an opportunity to respond collectively by the New Orleans Jewish community.
Kanye West in Los Angeles in 2023. (MEGA/GC IMAGES)
The fact that the concert is being given by Ye, the hip hop artist formerly known as Kanye West, is quite understandable.
Ye, who has always been steeped in controversy, has used his very extensive platform to spread several antisemitic lies and conspiracy theories over the last several years. He has openly praised Adolf Hitler on several occasions and even released musical materials with provocative titles like “Heil Hitler.”
His controversial past has cost him millions of dollars in endorsements, but that has not stopped him from repeatedly promoting racist slogans that many community leaders say have real consequences to the safety of the Jewish community worldwide. New Orleans Jewish Federation leaders CEO Sherri Tarr and board chair Melinda Mintz along with members of the Jewish Community Relations Council, issued a statement on Wednesday in advance of the concert citing their concerns about the concert.
“This poses real risks to the Jewish community and deeply impacts all minority groups,” the statement released by Federation chief advancement officer and communications officer Charissa Brim. “Extremist groups have repeatedly cited and celebrated his remarks. He has offered apologies at points along the way that haven’t always held, and some of his public struggles have been tied to disclosed mental health challenges, which is worth naming even as it doesn’t excuse the harm his words have caused.”
The statement also endorsed and released through cooperation with the Anti-Defamation League, added the fear that Ye’s fans have rallied about him, often using the phrase “Ye is right” as a means to endorse his antisemitic agenda.
“The impact of his racist and antisemitic statements and music continues despite apologies,” the statement continued.
Aaron Bloch, who is the Federation’s director of multicultural and governmental affairs and oversees the Jewish Relations Council and its chair, David Shepard, also signed the release. Anti-Defamation regional director Lindsey Baach-Friedman and South Central Region board chair Carolyn Fayard were also listed as signees.
Federation initially sent a letter to Legends Global, the company responsible for the Superdome’s management and daily operations.
The letter asked for clarification that the song “Heil Hitler” would not be allowed to be performed and that Legends Global would not permit Nazi ideology or merchandise promoting antisemitism to be sold or distributed at the concert.
A response by Legends Global confirmed that to both Federation and Anti-Defamation League leaders. The company went on to state they have been reviewing setlists at other concerts on the tour to confirm that the hate-filled rhetoric would be absent at their concert.
“They have retained the right to act before, during, or after the New Orleans show if the artist breaches the contractual morality clause,” the statement added.
The ADL’s Center on Extremism, which catalogs racist symbols, agreed to provide the venue’s leadership and event-day staff with training so that a zero-tolerance policy towards attendees exhibiting antisemitic behavior would also not be allowed.
Both the ADL and Federation are maintaining close contact with Legends Global and monitoring the situation.
As a way of celebrating the local Jewish community and presenting a united front against Ye, the leaders went on to encourage attendance at a number of Jewish-centric events and experiences over the next weekend. “What better way to answer hate than by celebrating Jewish life, together, in public, and without fear,” the statement added.
The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience is offering free admission from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30.
Touro Synagogue, the host for the August Summer Union Shabbat services, will be encouraging all local community members to enjoy worship services on Friday, August 28, the same night as the concert.
In addition, community members are being encouraged to attend the Federation event “The Daughter of Auschwitz: An Evening with Tova Friedman, on Sunday, August 30 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m. Registration is required. Register at this link: http://jewishlouisiana.com/tova
