http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=172767
Arab Israeli singer receives threats
By JPOST.COM STAFF
09/04/2010 20:28
Mira Awad forced to withdraw from Zionist Federation Independence Day concert.
Talkbacks (12)
Arab Israeli singer and television personality Mira Awad has withdrawn from the
Zionist Federation's Israel Independence Concert in London following death
threats against her and her family, it was reported on Friday.
Awad, along with fellow singer Achinoam Nini, represented Israel at the 2009
Eurovision concert have performed at venues around the world to packed
audiences. Awad has worked to promote coexistence between Arabs and Jews in
Israel through her work with Nini, but also through various other platforms.
"Mira and [Nini's] message is about finding a peaceful way forward. It is
tragic that when both sides try to come together by any means possible to build
a better future for Israel and its citizens, there are those prepared to use
violence and intimidation to destroy it," Awad's manager, Ofer Pesenzon, said
in response to the threats.
Awad will stay in Israel while Nini performs in London on Independence Day.
"Our concert is a celebration of independence but it's also about building
understanding. Mira wanted to be the Arab Israeli voice promoting a peaceful
way forward," said ZF executive-director Alan Aziz following Awad's withdrawal
from the concert line-up.
"The threats to her life expose the real truth behind the conflict - that
everyone is hostage to extremism, and it is a dangerous and growing phenomenon
that denies Israel's right to exist, and the world's right to democracy," Aziz
continued.
Awad grew up in Rameh, an Arab village near Karmiel, and lives today in Tel
Aviv. Her family, which still lives in the Galilee, employs strict measures to
ensure their security.
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