It took him 40 years to overcome an official Israeli government ban, but now Paul McCartney is facing death threats over his plans to play at Tel Aviv’s Park Hayarkon on Sept. 25.
The former Beatle has vowed to go ahead with the Friendship First concert celebrating the Jewish state’s 60th anniversary, despite vows from Islamic extremists to make him the target of suicide bombers.
According to U.K.’s Daily Express newspaper, Syrian-born cleric Omar Bakri proclaimed in his weekly Web broadcast, “Our enemy’s friend is our enemy. Thus Paul McCartney is the enemy of every Muslim ... If he values his life Mr. McCartney must not come to Israel. He will not be safe there. The sacrifice operatives will be waiting for him.”
McCartney appeared on Israeli television to say he would not be intimidated by the threats. “I was approached by different political bodies who asked me not to come here,” he said. “I refused. I do what I think and I have many friends who support Israel.”
He would not be the first Western artist to perform in the country. In recent years, Phil Collins, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, the Black Eyed Peas and Arrested Development have all played concerts there, while Leonard Cohn, Bjork, Snoop Dogg and Madonna have canceled scheduled appearances.
The Beatles were originally set to perform in Israel in 1965 but the concert was cancelled at the last minute over fears that the music would corrupt the morals of Israeli youth.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the singer said, “Paul’s Friendship First concert is about his music. Paul’s is a message of peace.” ―Aidin Vaziri