Published: 31 July 2020
Last updated: 4 March 2024
Israel city's bid to honour Egyptian diva stirs anger (Barrons)
She was one of the Arab world's most revered singers, praised by Bob Dylan and sampled by Beyonce: the late Egyptian legend Umm Kulthum seems worthy of having a street named in her honour.
But when that street is in Israel, a country she condemned while championing the Palestinian cause, a decision to honour the vocalist branded "the Star of the East," has triggered controversy.
Haifa -- Israel's third largest city, where roughly 10 percent of its 300,000 residents are Arab -- decided earlier this month to honour the woman whose deep, resonant voice was also adored by many Jews.
The decision highlights the diversity of the city, "which represents a model of co-existence between Arabs and Jews," Haifa town council head Einat Kalisch-Rotem said.
Extremists try to block honour for music legend Umm Kulthum (Arab News)
Photo: Pixgood.com
