'Arab Idol' breaks isolation of Israel’s Palestinian citizens

Haytham Khalayleh, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, was one of the three finalists of "Arab Idol" and though he did not win the singing contest, it provided an opportunity to break through the isolation Palestinians with Israeli citizenship have faced since 1948.
Palestinians watch the result of "Arab Idol" in the West Bank city of Ramallah June 22, 2013. The 22-year-old singer Mohammed Assaf, from the Gaza Strip, was named the winner of "Arab Idol" in a TV talent contest in Beirut. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: SOCIETY ENTERTAINMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTX10XJ7
Palestinians watch the result of "Arab Idol" in the West Bank city of Ramallah, June 22, 2013. - REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
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Daoud Kuttab
@daoudkuttab

Palestinians of the village of Majd al-Krum were glued to their TV sets Dec. 13. One of the villagers, Haytham Khalayleh, was a finalist in the most popular TV show in the region — "Arab Idol." The interest of a community in stardom of one of their own is not unusual, but the situation of Majd al-Krum is unique. This Palestinian village in the Galilee is part of the State of Israel and its entire population holds Israeli passports and participates in Israeli elections.

Khalayleh and fellow contestant Manal Musa participated in "Arab Idol" and reached the MBC studios in Beirut thanks to the assistance of the Palestinian government in Ramallah. Palestinian passports were issued to the two Israeli citizens, which allowed them to enter Lebanon and compete in the singing contest.

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