New York Comedy Show Canceled Amid Controversy Over Israel-Palestine Dialogue
A comedy show in New York City, intended to foster dialogue between supporters of both Israel and Palestine, was abruptly canceled due to backlash from activists and performers. The event, titled “Debate, Don’t Hate,” was set to take place at Stand Up NY, but the organizers were forced to cancel after several pro-Palestinian comedians withdrew from participation.
The goal of the show was to use humor to address the ongoing and deeply divisive issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has seen increased tension on university campuses across the United States in recent months. However, when some comedians expressed their refusal to share the stage with pro-Israel voices, the show’s viability came into question.
Palestinian comedian Eman El-Husseini was one of those who stepped back, stating in a message to the organizers that she could not perform alongside what she described as "zionazzzis," associating her disdain with ongoing violence in the region. Her withdrawal reflected a broader sentiment among some artists who felt that participating in a dialogue could be seen as endorsing Israel’s position.
After the cancellations, numerous efforts were made to replace those withdrawing comedians, but at least 21 others declined the opportunity. Comedian Mohanad Elshieky expressed dissatisfaction with the event’s premise, commenting on social media that the show seemed to trivialize the severe issues at hand.
Public figures also chimed in, criticizing the notion of discussing the conflict as if it were a matter of equal perspectives. Activists argued that attempting to present both sides of a conflict in which genocide is claimed to be occurring was inappropriate and harmful. Helen Rosner, a food correspondent, expressed particular disdain for what she viewed as an attempt to facilitate dialogue when, in her opinion, there was no moral equivalence to be found.
One of the show’s organizers, Robin Lemberg, clarified that the intent behind the event was never to diminish the seriousness of the conflict or to debate moral issues like genocide. Instead, she aimed to create a space where humor could bridge gaps in understanding. Lemberg emphasized that comedy can often disarm anger and foster connection, which could open doors to difficult conversations.
Comedian Elon Gold, known for his work on platforms like Netflix and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” echoed Lemberg’s sentiment. He stated that canceling the event represented a lost opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and move beyond existing divides. Gold reminded us that comedy, at its best, serves not just to entertain but to unite people across varying experiences.
Historian Noam Weissman, who hosts the “Unpacking Israeli History” podcast, warned that the backlash against the event suggests growing divisions that could become more entrenched over time. He stressed that refusing to engage in dialogue and turning away from conversations could pose a serious threat to societal cohesion.
As discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain contentious, the organizers are hopeful about attempting to reschedule the event in the future. They believe that nonviolent dialogue can lead to meaningful change and that listening, rather than shouting, should be pursued as a means of resolution.
Co-organizer Jon Bond called for a rethinking of the approach to disagreements, suggesting that in striving for understanding, both sides must acknowledge that neither is likely to change their core beliefs simply through arguments. Instead, he advocates for the courage to engage in difficult discussions that prioritize the potential for peace over the desire to be right.
As tensions continue to mount regarding Israel and Palestine, it is clear that open dialogue, fueled by humor and mutual respect, may be more essential than ever. While the recent comedy show faced challenges, the hope remains that future efforts will succeed in bridging divides and fostering a climate where differences can be discussed constructively.
