Quite a few eyebrows were raised among America’s Jewish community last month when popular singer Ricky Martin performed for a group of youngsters in Jordan, wearing a Palestinian kaffiyah.
However, the singer met with Israeli Consul to New York Arye Mekel this weekend in an attempt to iron out the difficulties and to apologize for any preconceptions as a result of his concert .
During the meeting, Martin explained that he had no personal agenda during his performance in Jordan and said he was deeply pained by the incident.
He said that several local children had placed the kaffiyah on his shoulders, without him knowing what it represents.
Martin said that in order for him to correct the impression left on the Jewish community, he plans to perform in Israel as part of his European tour in Spring, following the release of his new album.
A few Hebrew words
In an attempt to convince Mekel of his sincerity, Martin said that several of his good friends in Los Angeles are Israeli and that he had learned some Hebrew words from them.
He then turned to Mekel and said, “My dear" in Hebrew.
The consul recommended Martin spend time in Israel over and above his concert, to enjoy the sights and culture.
According to Spokesman for the Consulate in New York David Saranga, Martin showed interest in Israeli music and even agreed to consider collaborating with local talents - mostly those defined as “ethnic.”
Mekel summed up the meeting by saying, “especially in these times where we are busy with issues like the disengagement and the Shfaram murder, Martin’s arrival in Israel is a breath of fresh air for issues over and above the conflict, issues that we are interested the media cover.”