Ishay Ribo, the Sephardic Orthodox Jewish Israeli singer-songwriter who is popular across all segments of Israeli society, canceled at the last minute a trip for a planned tour of the United States. The singer decided to turn back after having already reached Ben Gurion airport, citing escalating tensions between the United States and Iran that might leave him stranded abroad and unable to return home.

Ribo expressed his regret in a message to disappointed fans.

“Dear audience, in light of the situation and the high level of alert in Israel, we have decided to postpone our upcoming U.S. tour,” he wrote.

“In sensitive moments like these, we felt the right thing to do was to remain in the Land of Israel and stand alongside our families,” he said. “We greatly appreciate your understanding and support. We promise to reschedule the tour as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Am Yisrael Chai.”

Ishay Ribo was scheduled to hold a concert on Oct. 8, 2023, the day after the worst massacre in Israeli history. That concert was canceled, but Ribo spent much of his time during the height of the conflict visiting soldiers in hospitals and at IDF bases, singing to lift their spirits. He has also performed at impromptu weddings for reservists. Himself an IDF soldier, the singer has dedicated songs to the IDF.