Israel's entry for this year's edition of the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, composed of a Jewish and an Arab singer, has sparked criticism from Arab artists. The popular Jewish singer and peace activist Noa will perform a duet with Mira Awad, a well-known Arab singer and actor. The pair have worked together in the past and are rehearsing four songs in Hebrew, Arabic and English, one of which will be chosen through a television broadcast next month, before they take part in the Eurovision finals in Moscow this May. The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual competition in which 25 countries across Europe participate and is one of the most-watched non-sporting events in the world.
The day after Israel launched its war on Gaza in late December, Noa, 39, was selected by the Israel Broadcasting Authority and promptly suggested she pair up with Awad, who was born in Galilee and now lives in Tel Aviv. Awad, 33, who appeared to enthusiastic reviews in a popular Israeli television sitcom last year, will be the first Arab to represent Israel at the competition. A group of Arab artists, some Israeli, some Palestinian, sent Awad an open letter calling on her to withdraw from the performance. "The Israeli government is sending the two of you to Moscow as part of its propaganda machine that is trying to create the appearance of Jewish-Arab coexistence under which it carriers out the daily massacre of Palestinian civilians," the letter said. "Please, Mira, for the children of Gaza and for the future of every child in this land - Arabs and Jews - don't be an accomplice to the killing machine."
However, Awad told the news agency AP that she wanted to make the point that Jews and Arabs had no choice but to find a way to live together. "It's very important for me not to go back to the corner and just disappear." Noa said millions would be watching the duo on stage and this was their opportunity to send a message of peace. "Some people will see an Arab girl who looks Jewish and a Jewish girl who looks Arab, which is what we are. Maybe it will open some people's minds," she said.
