Comedian Dave Chappelle calls Israel-Hamas war ‘genocide’, urges Americans to fight anti-Semitism

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — American comedian Dave Chappelle on Thursday called Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza a “genocide” to applause during his performance in the United Arab Emirates capital, while urging Americans to fight anti-Semitism so that Jews don’t do it. They don’t feel like they need to be protected by Israel.

Chappelle’s comments come as Abu Dhabi has maintained diplomatic ties with Israel, even as the country increasingly criticizes its conduct during the seven-month war.

Meanwhile, while pro-Palestinian marches have swept across the Middle East since the start of the war, demonstrations and freedom of expression remain strictly limited to the Emirates, a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula.

Before even taking the stage, the entire crowd at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena applauded when DJ Trauma, who accompanied Chappelle on the trip, performed the song “My Blood is Palestine” by Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf.

About halfway through a high-profile comedy set in Abu Dhabi, Chappelle, a Muslim, first said his friends told him whether to discuss the war or not. In the audience, a woman shouted: “Liberate Palestine!” » The crowd applauded.

Chappelle later called the war a “genocide” and said making Jews safer in America amid rising cases of anti-Semitism would make them realize they don’t need Israel as their ultimate protector.

Another moment also showed how diverse the crowd was in Abu Dhabi. Telling another joke about how Jews clap while drinking, Chappelle said “l’chaim,” or “to life” in Hebrew, which another man in the audience shouted.

But when discussing the upcoming U.S. election, Chappelle’s mention of President Joe Biden — who has pledged “ironclad” support for Israel” — drew plenty of boos throughout the arena. Donald Trump sparked scattered cheers.

Chappelle, like other performers during the performance, told racy jokes and swore. But they largely avoided discussing local politics — although Chappelle made a sly joke about the UAE’s vast surveillance network and another deadpan about “how hard it is to be gay” in the country, because l Homosexuality is illegal.

But he also went on stage with a falcon on his arm, the symbol of the United Arab Emirates.

Chappelle, 50, won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2019. He performed at Abu Dhabi Comedy Week.