Egyptians protest Israeli performances of Umm Kulthum songs

The family of iconic Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum condemned an Israeli band’s plan to perform her songs in Israel, asserting that she represents “Egypt’s fourth pyramid” and her legacy is a cultural heritage that must not be appropriated. Jehan El Desouky, her granddaughter, emphasized that any use of her image or voice requires permission, which has not been granted. The family’s lawyer, Yasser Kantoush, indicated potential legal action if rights to her works are not protected. The Israeli band Firqat Alnoor intends to hold concerts in Jaffa, Haifa, and Beersheba in November.

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