A concert by Lenny Kuhr (74) in the De Leest theater in Waalwijk was disrupted on Sunday by four pro-Palestinian activists. They called the singer a terrorist and shouted that she was guilty of genocide. The demonstrators were driven out of the room, following which the police were called. “As an old woman, I am actually no match for such a young man.”
During Kuhr’s performance, four activists waved the Palestinian flag. They handed out pamphlets and one of them climbed onto the stage. They shouted that Kuhr is a murderer and terrorist.
According to the singer, they came across as very aggressive. “They had their faces covered, afraid of being recognized,” she said. “One of them walked onto the stage and tried to pull the microphone out of my hand. As an old woman, I am actually no match for such a young man, but I was still able to fend him off.”
According to her, the activists had bought a ticket for the concert and sat in the back of the room during the start of the show.
Family in Israel
The Nuenense Kuhr has family in Israel and travels there regularly. At the end of last year she went to Israel because her grandson, who is fighting in the Israeli army, was injured. Her daughters and ex-husband also live in that country. Last October, Kuhr expressed her support for the Israeli people during a rally in Amsterdam.
Kuhr’s man immediately took action. “My husband is present at all the performances and sat at the back. He immediately stood up and shouted: ‘I will not let my wife be called a murderer’. He grabbed one of the activists and pushed him towards the door. I am really proud of him. “
The theater staff also immediately came to help. “All praise for De Leest theater. The staff acted very well. A man with enormous muscles came and grabbed an activist and took him away. They immediately called the police.”
“The public found the action disgusting.”
Kuhr has filed a report. She is shocked, but not afraid. Her performance on Tuesday in the Groningen Stadskanaal will therefore continue as usual. “I am Jewish, but I have no opinion regarding politics. We artists should not be intimidated either. I also felt so much support from the audience. People showed that they found it really disgusting what had happened. Some people were also shocked. For example, I gave a woman sitting in the front row my glass of water.”
Kuhr is married to songwriter Rob Frank. He is also her manager. “He is also Jewish and lost his family in the war. We both stand for peace. This might happen once more in the next performance, but we will not let that stop us.”
A police spokesperson said that officers searched for the activists in the area surrounding the theater, but they were not found.
No one was available at De Leest theater on Sunday evening. It is unclear whether the identity of the activists is known following purchasing a ticket.
Lenny Kuhr was harassed by pro-Palestinian activists during her performance. Photo: ANP.
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