Gazan 'Arab Idol' performs in Israel for crowd of 10,000
Mohammed Assaf grew up in refugee camp in Gaza; comes to Nazareth for first concert in Israel. MK Tibi dances.
Recent winner of the singing competition Arab Idol, 23-year-old Gazan Mohammed Assaf, arrived in Israel Friday when the singer performed for an audience of over 10,000 fans near Nazareth on the Sea of Galilee.
The television program Arab Idol airs on MBC, a Lebanese station. Arab Idol is thought to be one of the most widely viewed programs in the Arab world and Assaf's victory won him super-star popularity.
The Mayor of Nazareth Ali Salam and Knesset Member Ahmed Tibi were present at the concert in Ilut Stadium and could both be seen dancing. Tickets to the event cost 70 shekels and caused great excitement in Arab Israeli fans.
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"Assaf is an Arab-Palestinian super star, a Cinderella story of a boy who grew up in a Gazan refugee camp and reached the pinnacle of the Arab world," said Tibi.
"Assaf worked his way to the top despite poverty and all the barriers that stood in his way," said Tibi. "I have a lot of empathy for the experience he's been through. He is received in Nazareth and every Arab society."
"We love you Assaf, you're at home," yelled audience members as Assaf took the stage. Other Arab MKs and leaders also attended the concert.
An additional concert for Assaf is planned for Sunday night at, though the event is private and tickets are selling for 500 shekels.
"We've dreamed of seeing Assaf here," said Gila Soheil Salima, a Nazareth resident. "The famous guy who we've only seen on television. My children always asked about him. If I could see him up close I would welcome him and take a picture with him."
"This is a historic day that I won't ever forget," Salima added. "All of us love Assaf and we want him to come back to Israel."
Ibrahim from Kfar Yasif near Acco said, "There were a few racists who tried to ruin the concert. This is the time to tell them that Assaf is a prince of the Arab world whether they like it or not. We'll keep inviting him to Israel because all of us are proud of him."
