A highly anticipated concert in London featuring singer Bentzion Hakohein "Benny" Friedman is facing an unexpected setback. Matzav.com has learned that the venue originally secured for the show, the Clapham Grand, canceled the event just one day after tickets were made available for sale.
The concert, part of the Am Yisrael Chai Tour organized in partnership with ACM Events, has been months in the making, with the tour spreading a message of Jewish pride to audiences around the world. London, a city that has been consistently requesting Benny's performances for several years, was selected for two shows -- one in London on January 6 and another in Manchester on January 7.
Despite a strong fan response and early ticket sales, the organizers faced significant challenges securing a venue. Several potential venues were unwilling to host a public Jewish pride concert or associate with pro-Israel sentiments, leading to a delay in finding an appropriate location. Eventually, the organizers secured the Clapham Grand, a historic Victorian music hall that had been recently refurbished.
When the venue was confirmed, excitement in the community was palpable, with tickets flying off the shelves. However, in a shocking turn of events, the Am Yisrael Chai Tour team received news early Monday morning that the Clapham Grand was pulling out of the agreement, citing security concerns related to the nature of the event.
In response to this unexpected development, the tour organizers expressed their deep disappointment and frustration. "We are completely stunned by this news and disappointed that a reality like this for the Jewish people is still possible in 2024," the team said in a statement.
Despite this setback, the Am Yisrael Chai Tour team remains determined to move forward with the concert and bring the message of Jewish pride, achdus, and chizuk to London. They are already working diligently to secure an even bigger venue for the event, one that will ensure a larger audience and an even grander show.
"We are determined to secure an even bigger venue in London," the team confirmed. "We will see you in London, and we will keep you posted with further updates."
The cancellation has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish artists who publicly express their support for Israel, with the Am Yisrael Chai Tour representing an important effort to unite the Jewish community worldwide.
As of now, the team continues to explore options and has promised to provide updates to fans as soon as new venue arrangements are confirmed.