Greek Singer Assi Yechiel's Rhodes Performance Canceled Over Political Reasons

Israeli singer Assi Yechiel, whose career is built around Greek music and who comes from a Jewish family with roots in Thessaloniki, Greece, had a performance in Rhodes canceled shortly before it was scheduled to take place on September 28. The concert, intended for World Tourism Day and organized by the Rhodes municipality, was initially slated as a free event for Yechiel.

According to Yechiel, initial indications of a potential cancellation emerged on September 18, with a formal notification arriving on September 21. He stated that he was initially informed in writing that the cancellation was due to a "political decision." However, subsequent explanations provided to him included concerns about potential disturbances and alleged threats against musicians. Yechiel emphasized that he could not personally verify these threats but expressed his disappointment and bitterness over the situation.

Yechiel, who has built a career performing Greek laïko music, particularly the works of Stelios Kazantzidis, and has collaborated with Greek and Israeli musicians, views his connection to Greece as deeply personal and cultural, stemming from his family's heritage in Thessaloniki. He expressed pain at the idea that his Israeli origin might be a barrier to connecting with audiences, stating, "As an Israeli artist and a descendant of Thessaloniki Holocaust survivors, I feel a deep connection to Greece." He stressed that his intention was to share music he loves, not to represent any political stance, and that culture should foster dialogue and mutual respect even amidst international tensions.

The article also draws a parallel to his father, Moshe Yechiel, a former professional footballer in Israel. The family's connection to Thessaloniki originates with Moshe's parents, Albert and Sarina Yechiel, who were survivors of Auschwitz and rebuilt their lives in Israel after the Holocaust. Assi Yechiel's embrace of Greek music represents a different, yet connected, expression of this heritage.