Battle Looms Over Credit for Anti-Israel Lyrics
A row has erupted in Egypt over who came up with the anti-Israel lyrics that made an overnight singing sensation of a working-class crooner. Released after the Palestinian uprising began, “I Hate Israel” elevated little-known singer Shaaban Abdel-Rahim to superstardom.
The refrain “I hate Israel and I love AmrMoussa”--a reference to Egypt’s pro-Palestinian foreign minister--became an instant hit. Poet Awad Badawi says he thought up the phrase and intends to take legal action. A spokesman for Abdel-Rahim denied the claim.
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