U.S. pop star Michael Jackson gestures during a news conference
U.S. pop star Michael Jackson gestures during a news conference at the O2 Arena in London March 5, 2009. Jackson said he will hold a series of final concerts in Britain later in the year. REUTERS/STEFAN WERMUTH

The abrupt cancellation of Israeli pop star Amir Benayoun's public performanceby the Israeli president's office has kicked off a big controversy. The singer was set to perform next week at a high-profile public event that was to commemorate the exile of Jews from Iran and the Arab world. But the singer's performance has been cancelled after the president's office expressed displeasure.

The office of President Reuven Rivlin acted presumably on the basis of his new song that is focused on a fictional Arab in Israel who gets his kicks by stabbing Jews, reported Fox News. It reportedly depicts Israel's Arab citizens as "scum" and murderers. Mr Rivlin announced that he was cancelling the invitation to the singer because the sentiments expressed by Benayoun in the song Ahmed Loves Israel is "inconsistent with the responsibility required of the President's residence. The singer's statements at this time of conflict and tension ... do not, to say the least, help bring calm to the streets."

Song on Arab Character

The song is about a fictional Arab named Ahmed who wants to "send to hell a Jew or two" despite his moderate appearance. The album's release had coincided with heightened tensions between Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem. Amir Benayoun is considered as one of the best loved crooners in Israel. Benayoun, 39, has been an active presence on the Israeli music scene for more than a decade. With his Algerian Jewish descent, he sings in his trademark Middle Eastern style, reported The Independent. The singer claimed that his song Ahmed Loves Israel was written out of pain in response to attacks by Palestinians against Israelis that shook their sense of security.

Fans Unhappy

The main character, Ahmed, in the song is purportedly a symbolic representative of the 1.5 million Arab citizens of Israel who pines for the day when he can kill Jews and bludgeon them. The lyrics say: "Peace be upon you, my name is Ahmed and I live in Jerusalem. I study in the university one or two things. I have the best of all worlds. Today I am moderate and smiling. Tomorrow I'll fly to the heavens. I'll send a Jew or two to hell. It's true I'm just scum and ungrateful. It's true, but I'm not guilty. I didn't grow up on love. It's true the moment will come when you turn your back and then I'll lodge the sharp axe in your back," which are a few portions of the controversial lyrics.

The snub to the singer has drawn protests from his fans. The pop star also received the support of a minister, Uri Orbach, who described the president's action as "a blow to freedom of expression."