Bin Laden's music Jewru
Famous Jewish-Algerian singer Enrico Macias shocked to discover his recordings were found in al-Qaeda leader's collection. 'When I heard it I thought it was a mistake, I thought it was a joke.'
"I'm still shocked, it's very surprising," said singer Enrico Macias on Tuesday in an interview to Ynet upon learning that he was one of Osama Bin Laden's favorite singers.
The Jewish-Algerian singer, known for his French chansons, is a long-time supporter of Israel and has performed in the country many times, and so he was left speechless when the BBC reported that examinations of Osama Bin Laden's music collection indicate that he was a fan of Macias.
"When I heard it I thought it was a mistake, I thought it was a joke. Afterwards many people contacted me about it and I understood that it was true."
The collection, which included 1,500 recordings from the 1960's to 2001, was found at the chief terrorist's houses in Kandahar, Afghanistan. More than 200 speakers and singers were recorded on tapes, some were diplomats and politicians. Among these was the voice of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian leader known for his call for non-violent struggle.
One of the recorded speeches, dealing with the Palestinian struggle, was interrupted by a recording of an Enrico Macias song.
"It's very strange for me," Macias added. "First of all because I do not know the identity of those who buy and love my music. I can not control who listens to me. It is surprising to see who likes your songs."
Do you think he knew of your Jewish origins?
"I'm sure he knew I was a Jew since my songs were banned in many Arab countries, but I know that certain Arab countries love my music, because my style is very oriental, so he surely knew. I do not understand why my songs fascinated this man. My songs are a message of peace and against violence, and he was one of the most violent people this world has known. So believe me, I'm surprised."
Perhaps bin Laden was not listening to the words?
"Oh, no. I'm sure he listened to and understood. But maybe he interpreted what I sang differently."
Macias was born in Algeria to a Sephardic-Jewish family, and was named "Enrico" by his Gypsy friends who taught him to play guitar. In 1961 he emigrated to France with his wife, along with thousands of French and Jews who left Algeria during the years of the bloody civil war there.
Macias was a great success in France by combining with the music of his homeland with traditional French chansons, and he became popular among large audiences around the world. Macias frequently visits and performs in Israel.
Macias' songs bear a universal message of peace and brotherhood among nations, and he even received recognition for this from the United Nations. He performed his peace-loving songs at a famous concert in 1979 at the foot of the pyramids in Egypt, before the peace agreement was signed between Israel and Egypt.
Macias is considered a big supporter of Israel, and in 2006 he even received from then-Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and Shimon Peres a special medal for his support for IDF soldiers.
