Marwan Makhoul in Bierut (Photo: An- Nahar website)
Israeli Arab poet defies ban, visits Lebanon
Poet Marwan Makhoul defies Israeli travel ban, and flies to Lebanon; Markhoul due to read his poem about the 'enemy plot to draft Christian Palestinians to IDF' at public event in Beirut.
The Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar reports Saturday that the poet Marwan Makhoul (35), who lives in Ma'alot Tarshiha, has arrived in Beirut. The paper stated: "Makhoul was able to break the enemy's blockade, and arrive in Lebanon." Lebanon is considered an enemy state, and Israelis are forbidden from traveling to the country. Makhoul has not returned to Israel as of Saturday.
Makhoul has so far published four books, and his poems are often published in Arab language newspapers, including An-Nahar.
His friends say there are planning a party to welcome him back upon returning to Israel. One of Makhoul's friends told Ynet: "We knew he went that he left for Beirut two weeks ago, he updated us on his plans. Makhoul holds a Palestinian passport, and his mother is from Beirut. He flew from Israel to Jordan, and from Jordan continued to Lebanon in order to take part in cultural events. He also planned on visiting family members who he misses very much."
Makhoul's friend doesn't see his trip as a severe action, even though Lebanon is listed as an enemy state, and Israelis are banned from travelling there. "I don't think he made a big mistake. He deserves to be in Beirut or anywhere else. Makhoul is a known figure in the Arab world, and everyone respects him and his ways. I hope he will be able to return to Israel without being detained. We are proud of him and receive him in the best manner possible."
Marwan Makhoul in Bierut (Photo: An- Nahar website)
The friend brings up other Israeli Arabs who have been in Lebanon: "The singer Haitham Halaila and the singer Manal Mousa took part in the show Arab Idol, and the journalist Majed Kiyal took part in an event for a Lebanese paper he wrote for. They came back and weren't arrested because the relevant authorities in the defense ministry knew the purpose of their trips was work and not politics."
The An-Nahar paper published pictures of Makhoul walking in the streets of Beirut. "He is the son of a father from the village of Peki'in in the Galilee, and a mother who is from the village of Ramish in south Lebanon," the paper reported. "A Lebanese singer will accompany Makhoul in his Beirut performance, and he will read a poem he wrote in which he attacks the 'enemy plot' to draft the Christian Palestinians," according to the paper.
