‘Arab Idol’ Winner Returns to Palestine to Cheers and Unease

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/world/middleeast/arab-idol-winner-returns-to-palestine-to-cheers-and-unease.html

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KHAN YUNIS REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip — The winner of “Arab Idol,” a one-time wedding singer who made it big, returned home here on Tuesday to both excitement and unease.

Mohammed Assaf singing "Raise the Kaffiyeh."

Hamas authorities prevented fans from installing a screen in Gaza’s main square to show the broadcast live from Beirut. Instead, Gazans watched the finals in their homes or at cafes. Al-Aqsa TV, the Hamas television station in Gaza, ignored the entire competition.

At the same time, Hamas has been careful not to push too strongly against the popular tide.

One Hamas lawmaker from Khan Yunis, Yehia Moussa, wished Mr. Assaf success on Facebook, prompting a wave of criticism online from other Hamas supporters.

“For ideological reasons, Hamas considers this kind of art as being against Islam and religious culture,” said Mkhaimar Abusada, a professor of political science at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University. But, he said, “the low-ranking delegation sent to receive Assaf was meant to avoid reproach by possible critics.”