Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf announced the cancellation of the remaining concerts on his US tour, explaining that the decision resulted from organisational disputes between the promoter and the organising body, as well as circumstances he described as beyond his control. The announcement prompted questions on social media after coinciding with the circulation of a video from one of his latest concerts, in which he spoke about his Palestinian identity and his connection to the camps.
Assaf receives notice that remaining concerts have been cancelled
In a video posted on his official Instagram account, Assaf said he had received notice that the remaining concerts could not be held. He stressed that he had been keen to honour the agreements reached, complete the tour and meet his audience at the stops scheduled as part of its programme.
The Palestinian artist expressed regret that the tour had ended in this way and apologised to the audience who had bought tickets and waited to attend his concerts. He said: “I apologise to everyone who booked, waited and looked forward to meeting us. I hope we can meet soon on a new tour worthy of your love and trust. My love and appreciation for you always.” The cancellation decision came after Assaf’s last concert in the United States, where he interacted with an audience member about the Palestinian camps.
Camps video prompts speculation about cancellation
During the concert, an audience member asked the artist to send greetings to the camps. Assaf replied: “I am a son of the camps, but Palestinian by origin,” referring to his Palestinian identity and affiliation. The video later spread widely, with bloggers and activists reposting it as the cancellation of the remaining concerts was announced.
Some followers linked Assaf’s comments during the concert to the cancellation decision, asking whether that stance had played a role in the tour not being completed. However, Assaf did not mention any connection between the two matters in his announcement.
Some followers interpreted Assaf’s comments as confirmation that, in his view, Palestinian identity transcends divisions linked to areas and camps, citing his statement that Palestine is what unites Palestinians. Other posts offered a different reading, with their authors saying his remarks were a direct response to an audience member’s request and were intended to emphasise his Palestinian identity, rather than being directed at any particular party.
Other comments focused on the timing of the video’s circulation, which coincided with the announcement cancelling the remaining stops and broadened speculation about a possible link between the two events. Assaf, by contrast, identified organisational disputes and circumstances beyond his control as the reasons for the decision, without indicating that his comments about the camps had led to the tour being ended.
Mohammed Assaf’s North American tour began in the Canadian city of Toronto before moving to the United States, where he performed a number of concerts. The tour had been scheduled to continue until its conclusion in Puerto Rico on 20 November, while the cancellation covered the remaining stops, which included several US states, among them Texas, Arizona and California.
