Story By: James King, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
A Tunisian musician who wanted to promote “peace and tolerance” by singing a duet with an Israeli singer has been fired from his job on state television and given death threats on social media.
Tunisian music producer and composer Noamane Chaari who works for state broadcaster filmed the song “Peace Between Neighbours” together with Israeli jew Ziv Yehezkel, who sang in Arabic.
He said he agreed to take part after it was organised by the Arab Council for Regional Integration which is promoting Arab-Israeli friendship. Ironically they had only recently been lobbying for protection for people who took a stance in trying to normalise relationships between Arabic regions and Israel.
In a tweet US Sen Ted Cruz said: “What’s happening in Tunisia to Noamane Chaari is deeply troubling. American lawmakers are united in supporting coexistence across the region [between] Jews & Arabs. Tunisian authorities need to step up to protect calls for peace & to halt attacks against Chaari.”
Another organisation encouraging normalisation of relations, the Centre For Peace Communications, said they supported the sacked music producer with spokesman Joseph Braude saying: “Tunisian authorities have targeted his livelihood. Pressure from a senior official caused his firing from his job, and pressure from establishment institutions forced his private clients to leave him. This is a campaign to destroy him.”
On social media, commentators included people who said he needed to be “taught a lesson by being beaten to death” while others called for his execution.
The Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi has made it clear that despite many Arabic countries normalising relationships with Israel, this was “not on the agenda” for Tunisia.
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