Israeli Nightlife Promoter Sparks Controversy by Hiding International DJs' Identities

The Tel Aviv nightclub The Block, which closed in 2022, has announced a major event called 'Doors of Perception' scheduled for November 19-21 at Sulaiya on the Sea of Galilee. While the event has generated excitement for the return of The Block, a request from the production team has drawn sharp criticism from within the nightlife industry. The organizers have decided to keep the identities of the international DJs secret before, during, and after the event, and are asking attendees not to film or tag them on social media.

The Block's organizers explained that due to the current political climate, the club's international exposure could lead to repercussions for artists performing in Israel. They cited a previous festival where international artists faced personal attacks and professional damage after appearing in Israel. "We chose this time to keep the identities of our foreign guests a secret, and we ask you too: do not film or tag them and do not publish their names publicly. This way we can protect their privacy and continue to host friends from around the world," the organizers stated.

However, some industry producers have strongly condemned the decision. One senior producer, who wished to remain anonymous, called it "absolute madness and a spit in the face of all of us," questioning the logic of bringing artists who are afraid to be identified. Another producer expressed concern that this move could set a difficult precedent, making it harder to bring international artists to Israel in the future.

This is not the first time Yaron Trax, the owner of The Block, has been involved in controversy regarding the cultural boycott of Israel. Amidst the ongoing conflict, Trax publicly supported the cultural boycott, drawing parallels to the boycott against South Africa and making controversial statements about the Israeli people. In response to the criticism, Trax stated that the decision to conceal the DJs' identities was their initiative, not a demand from the artists. He reiterated that artists performing at their previous festival faced personal attacks and professional harm, and that this decision was made to protect their friends and avoid the price they might pay for performing in Israel. Trax also argued that the difficulty in bringing international artists to Israel is not solely due to antisemitism or poor public relations, but also stems from a lack of acknowledgment within Israel of its own role in the current situation, contrasting it with global media coverage.