U.S. State Dept denies visa for Israeli singer who once wrote anti-Obama song

Invited to perform at the UN for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israeli singer Amir Benayoun was only singer denied entry visa to the U.S.

By Israel Today Staff

 

Popular Israeli singer Amir Benayoun has been denied a visa to travel to the United States where he was scheduled to perform at the United Nations on January 27 to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The US Embassy in Israel stated that it was unconvinced that Benayoun intended to return to the Jewish state following his performance.

But two other Israeli singers slated to perform at the somber event–Miri Mesika and David D’Or–obtained visas without incident.

What makes Benayoun different?

Well, for one, he’s a very outspoken right-winger. But with Trump now in the White House, no one expected that to be a problem.

Israeli newspapers believe the real problem is a song Benayoun wrote and performed in 2015 about a “corrupt, cruel” pet crow that he named Obama.

At the end of the song, Benayoun wishes the crow a swift death.

No doubt, there remain US State Department officials, including many at the embassy in Tel Aviv, who hold a grudge against Benayoun for insulting the former president.

The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs is attempting to straighten out the mess and get a visa for Benayoun, but has so far been unsuccessful.

 

View original Israel Today publication at:
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/33172/Default.aspx