Former Beatle Paul McCartney's decision to perform in Tel Aviv has made him the target of a terror threat, expressed by extremist Islamic leader Omar Bakri.
Paul McCartney.
Photo: AP
His planned concert on September 25 at Park Hayarkon has made him the enemy of all Muslims, the British tabloid Sunday Express quoted Bakri as saying.
Bakri's threat was made in a weekly Internet broadcast from Lebanon, where he has lived in exile since being banned from returning to Britain.
The 48-year-old Syrian national questioned the Holocaust's authenticity, and asked how McCartney could participate in the celebration of the independence of Israel.
"Instead of supporting the people of Palestine in their suffering, McCartney is celebrating the atrocities of the occupiers. The one who is under occupation is supposed to be getting the help," Bakri said.
"Our enemy's friend is our enemy," the Muslim leader told the Sunday Express. "Thus Paul McCartney is the enemy of every Muslim.
We have what we call 'sacrifice' operatives who will not stand by while he joins in a celebration of their oppression. 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, who was apparently shocked by the threat, is determined to perform in Israel and refuses to cancel his show. His spokesman responded by saying that McCartney intends to come with a "message of peace."
On Saturday, McCartney said he was approached by several political groups who asked him to cancel the trip, but he declined.
"I do what I think, and I have many friends who support Israel," McCartney said in an interview with Yediot Aharonot.
