- Title: LEBANON: Gaza singer wins Arab Idol contest
- Date: 23rd June 2013
- Summary: ASSAF'S MOTHER INTISAR ABU SHAMMALEH CHEERING AS HE SINGS ASSAF HOLDING FLAG FAN WAVING PALESTINIAN FLAG ASSAF SINGING ON STAGE ASSAF'S MOTHER AND FAMILY MEMBERS
- Embargoed: 8th July 2013 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Lebanon
- Country: Lebanon
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA5I7WXJ49DMGWZ1HGQUYBY9YGG
- Story Text: A 22-year old Palestinian communications student won on Saturday (June 22) the popular TV talent show 'Arab Idol' following weeks of a competition in Beirut, Lebanon, and in which he enchanted Arabs of all nations.
A firm favourite amongst the listeners, Mohamed Assaf, who grew up in Gaza's Khan Younis refugee camp, won the coveted spot beating two other finalists: A Syrian woman, Farah Youssef and and Egyptian man Ahmed Jamal.
Even before he was declared the winner, Assaf had shot to fame singing Palestinian and Arab national songs. His polished good looks also won the hearts of many women who compared him to the late Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez.
Palestinian cities erupted in joy when Assaf won the song contest final held in Beirut providing a welcome break from the grinding conflict with Israel.
In Lebanon also, Palestinian refugee camps lit up with supporters and fans celebrating his win throughout the the night.
The fresh-faced Assaf who comes from such humble roots he almost didn't make it to the auditions has endeared millions of voting television viewers with his Palestinian patriotic anthems and folk songs.
Assaf's mother, Intisar Abu Shammaleh, watched her son basking in the glory of his victory on stage with pride - both as a mother and as a Palestinian.
''I am overwhelmed...feelings I cannot describe. Most importantly I am feeling proud, proud of the Palestinian people who showed the world that they are alive...alive," she said.
Despite some Palestinian Muslim clerics dismissing the pageant during Friday prayers for most Palestinians Saturday's revelry was like the end-of-Ramadan holiday combined with the World Cup Final.
After the victory, Assaf was named by the U.N. as its first youth ambassador to Palestinian refugee camps in the territories and in neighbouring countries. He is expected to visit the West Bank to perform. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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