The singer Douwe Bob sparked controversy at the Jom Ha Voetbal tournament, a Jewish sports event, after refusing to perform due to concerns about Zionist expressions present at the event. This led to accusations of antisemitism, death threats, and intervention from political figures.

The annual Jom Ha Voetbal tournament, which aims to unite people through sports, hosted approximately two thousand people from diverse backgrounds within the Jewish community. Douwe Bob, who had previously performed at the National Holocaust Museum, was booked to perform at the event. The organizers stated that the event is non-political and non-religious.

Doubts arose when Douwe Bob’s team noticed a stand from a Liberal-Jewish & Zionist youth association and another from StandWithUs, a pro-Israel organization. Despite assurances from the event organizers that it was a family event with no political or religious affiliations, Douwe Bob decided not to perform after seeing the organizations present. He cited his opposition to Zionism as the reason for his withdrawal, emphasizing his love for the Jewish community.

The situation escalated quickly after a video of Douwe Bob’s announcement was shared on social media. Criticism came from political figures, including VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz, who condemned what she described as “pure hatred” and accusations of antisemitism.

Those involved expressed regret over the rapid escalation and the use of strong language by politicians. There is concern about the misuse of the term Zionism, with some suggesting it is being used as a substitute for the word “Jew”.