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Post by Michelle Revolution on Sept 13, 2008 14:57:19 GMT
Sir Paul McCartney has said his forthcoming gig in Israel will go ahead despite pressure to scrap it.
"I was approached by different groups and political bodies who asked me not to come here. I refused. I do what I think, and I have many friends who support Israel," Sir Paul said.
Pro-Palestinian groups have called on Sir Paul to boycott Israel over its occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Jewish groups have condemned cultural and academic boycotts as anti-Semitic.
The 65-year-old will perform some of his biggest Beatles and solo hits at the Tel Aviv gig later this month.
Asked about how members of the Beatles felt when the Israeli government scrapped their concert in 1965 on the grounds it could corrupt the nation's youth, Sir Paul said it was "a bit insulting, the thought we could corrupt the youth."
"The Beatles had a pretty positive influence on the world and only regimes that wanted to control their peoples were afraid of us. We mostly laughed at the Israeli government decision," Sir Paul.
On his website, Sir Paul said he is looking forward to visiting Israel: "I've heard so many great things about Tel Aviv and Israel, but hearing is one thing and experiencing it for yourself is another".
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Post by mrmustard on Sept 13, 2008 22:02:19 GMT
Good for Paul. Who better to spread peace and love in a region such as this. However, if John were still alive and wanted to play there, the pro-palestinians might of had good reason to object.
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