In 2010, Electronic Intifada wrote a fawning profile of Iraqi musician Naseer Shamma and his “music of resistance.:” It quoted him as being strongly pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel.
How things have changed.
Israel’s UNESCO representative, Carmel Shama HaKohen, also of Iraqi origin, met with Naseer Shama at a UNESCO event.
After performing, HaKohen approached Naseer in front of the Iraqi minister, MPs and other Iraqi officials, congratulated the musician and wished him success in his mission to promote peace.
The Israeli representative noted that he shared the same surname and his parents came from Baghdad as well.
“Whatever the relationship between our countries, you as an artist for peace should come and perform with your talent and convey the message of peace in Israel, too – and I am sure that the community of Israel from Iraq would be happy to invite you,” said Carmel Shama to the musician.
Carmel was sure that he would get brushed off, but instead Naseer gave him his business card and said, ‘I’ll gladly perform in Israel.”
Here they are shaking hands in front of UNESCO head Irina Bokova.
It’s one thing when a Radiohead or Aerosmith plays in Israel. But when a popular Iraqi musician says he would be happy to play, the BDSers must be going absolutely crazy.
Even if he never comes, this picture is enough to cause some sleepless nights among those who cannot even get Arabs to adhere to their demands of “no normalization.”
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