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The pop star formerly known as Cat Stevens 10 years on from his last attempt to enter Israel has once again been blocked from performing by Israeli authorities.
By John Kaponi
Cat Stevens the Greek-Cypriot born Stavros Georgiou later to become a Muslim convert known as Yusuf Islam has been banned from attending a performance in Israel according to leading Israeli newspaper Yedhiot Ahronot stating in a report that he "is still considered a security threat to the State of Israel. Eight years have passed since the last time he was denied entry to Israel following a security check at the airport, and it appears that nothing has changed."
The report in Yedhiot Ahronot quoted the organiser of the event "10th anniversary of the Peres Center for Peace" that Yusuf Islam was to attend, "The Center, which is currently in the midst of the last preparations for the celebration, invited Stevens to take part in the central event. The singer was enthusiastic and even asked to add words in support of peace between Israel and the Palestinians to the song "Peace Train".
Yusuf Islam has expressed support for Hamas and was prominent in his support for the "fatwa" against Salman Rushdie.
The north London based Muslim convert who has bankrolled several projects in London providing education and cultural training with the Islamia Primary schools in Kilburn one of his largest projects.
The Israeli defence establishment on examination of Yusuf Islams passport details deemed his entry to Israel as "high risk" and announced "Cat Stevens will not arrive in Israel at the moment."
photo credit: flickr.com
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