Yemenite Jew, Christian Arab to represent Israel at Eurovision

Awad, a Christian Arab, has previously appeared with Nini in a peace-oriented broadcast of "We can work it out," which can be seen on YouTube.

By GREER FAY CASHMAN
ahinoam nini 88 298 (photo credit: Courtesy)
ahinoam nini 88 298
(photo credit: Courtesy)
It was announced on Sunday that Ahinoam Nini and Mira Awad will represent Israel at this year's Eurovision song contest. Israelis in general have always considered Eurovision voting to be politically motivated, and Israel itself is now putting a political spin on the contest by selecting an Arab Israeli to sing with Nini. A professionally trained musician and actress, Awad, a Christian Arab, has previously appeared with Nini in a peace-oriented broadcast of "We can work it out," which can be seen on YouTube. Speaking of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Nini, who is of Yemenite background, said that both sides had done terrible things to each other, but that both sides also had legitimate rights. What they have to do, she said, is to apologize to each other. Each must recognize what the other has and be prepared to share what it has, she added. "Both of us are people who keep track of both sides," said Awad, while acknowledging that perceptions of the issue were likely to be different on either side. Nonetheless, each was optimistic that a solution could be found. The duo was chosen by a selection committee headed by IBA chairman Moshe Gavish. The committee declared that the choice of two excellent and highly talented singers with global reputations was one that would surely prove itself to be correct. The Eurovision song contest is due to take place in Moscow on May 16, and will be broadcast live on Channel One.