Nightlife Enthusiast Breaks Silence: “I’m Not a Jew Who Walks with His Head Down”

Earlier in the week, reports emerged in the British press regarding Yuval Chen, the Israeli proprietor of the well-liked London nightclub, E1. It was revealed that Chen had decided to join the reserves and consequently, stepped down from his managerial position at the club. This decision was seemingly triggered by a wave of calls to boycott the club. Last October, in the wake of the Black Sabbath events, Chen abandoned everything in London to return to his home country, Israel, to serve in the reserves. Once the news about his enlistment in the reserves broke out, a wave of protests against him began to swell within the London clubbing community. By the end of the week, it was confirmed that Chen had relinquished his position as the club owner. In this exclusive interview with Mako, he breaks his silence on the matter.

Chen recalls, “On October 7, I made it public that I was leaving to join the reserves. I remember telling my partner that I couldn’t run a business or find happiness when my people were undergoing such turmoil. The very next day, I was in uniform. I didn’t hide my decision or my pride in who I am. I came to Israel fully aware of the potential risks including the chance that I might not return alive or even return to the club.”

“During my service, I witnessed all the protests and it dawned on me that I could not live in such a country. Despite this, I found myself falling in love with the country and its people,” Chen further explains. He also speaks about his experience with the reserves and how it brought him closer to his roots, “Everyone had warned me about the situation in Israel, saying that it was not an enjoyable place to live. However, during my reserve service, I was surrounded by friends which made me feel connected to the place. I couldn’t envision myself being happy in London.”

Chen vividly remembers the day he was discharged from the service, “They published a post about it and it immediately sparked a search for evidence that I had indeed served in the army. One of my employees presented a screenshot of the post. I was informed by my employees that packages stained with blood were received, bearing the message: ‘Your boss is a Zionist child killer’. This initiated a wave of messages calling for the closure of the club and attempts to boycott us.”

Chen believes that the instigators of the campaign against him are two influential individuals in the London clubbing scene, one of whom is actively involved in the BDS movement. “This group wields a lot of power in all calls for a boycott against Israel,” he states. “They have levelled accusations against me as though I am a criminal. But all I did was come to protect my country. I had already resigned on October 7, my mind was in Israel at the time. I am not a Jew who walks with my head down and hides – I will always walk with my head up and be proud of it.” , Chen declares.

Chen is unsure about the club’s future, “For me, my country is more important than the club. My Jewish friends in London believe that leaving is not a question of if, but of when. If you want to be an anti-Israeli Jew to gain acceptance, you might survive. But if you are a proud Israeli, living there becomes untenable. I refuse to hide my Jewish identity and my Israeliness.”

When asked about his own future, Chen admits, “That’s a good question. The nightlife scene in Israel is a possibility I am considering. I’m confident in my abilities, so I’m not afraid of losing things. What I did there, I’ll do here. I have contributed significantly to international music and founded one of the leading clubs in the world. Perhaps I’ll do the same here. I am here with my head held high, surrounded by those who love me. I am proud of my people from all sides and I love everyone. I am proud of our democracy,” he concludes.