Israel president cancels pop star appearance over new song about stabbing Jews

Published January 08, 2015

Israel's president has cancelled the appearance of a local pop star at a high-profile public event following the star's release of a new song focusing on a fictional Arab who gets his kicks by stabbing Jews.

The office of President Reuven Rivlin said Tuesday that it was cancelling its invitation for Amir Benayoun to perform at next week's event marking the expulsion and exile of Jews from Arab countries and Iran.

The office said the sentiments expressed by Benayoun in the song "Ahmed Loves Israel" are "inconsistent with the responsibility required of the president's residence."

The song tells of a fictional Arab named Ahmed who wants to "send to hell a Jew or two" despite his moderate appearance.

Its release coincides with heightened tensions between Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem.

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