Amsterdam comedy theatre Boom Chicago is to hold an open discussion about the role of comedy in 2025, following the row over a planned appearance by an Israeli comedian.

The theatre cancelled two performances by Yohay Sponder after receiving what it called significant negative reactions, both online and from visitors, some of which were “outright threatening”.

Last week various Instagram accounts began calling on people to email Boom Chicago en masse, saying Sponder is “ultra zionist” whose jokes are “based on Israeli propaganda”.

“As a result, we began to worry about the safety of our performers, audience, and colleagues,” the theatre said in a reaction.

They decided to cancel the performance and offered to help relocate the show to another venue in Amsterdam. The police and city authorities were not involved in the theatre’s decision.

“We are deeply saddened that this situation has escalated into a polarised debate about Gaza,” the statement said. “In our 32 years of existence, we have never experienced anything like this. Very nasty criticism has come at us from all sides, even though we genuinely tried to do what was best for everyone.”

The team now plan to host an open discussion about the role of comedy and to “foster understanding and dialogue among diverse perspectives, without restrictions”, the company said.

An alternative location has been found for the Yohay Sponder show entitled “Self-Loving Jew” which will only be revealed to ticket holders on the day itself.

The event is not the first involving Israeli performers to be cancelled in Amsterdam. Last May the Concertgebouw concert hall cancelled two concerts by the Jerusalem Quartet because it had been notified about demonstrations and because of “recent events” at protests in Amsterdam.