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A truly inspirational man

Renowned pianist and conductor, Israeli [although born Argentinian] Daniel Barenboim, has been at the forefront in trying to build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. It hasn't won him many friends in Israel, but Barenboim has remained undeterred and pressed on with his Divan Orchestra and other activities.

The fact that the Palestinians have granted Barenboim Palestinian citizenship will doubtlessly draw further criticism of the musician. Haaretz reports:

"Daniel Barenboim, the world renowned Israeli pianist and conductor, has taken Palestinian citizenship and said he believed his rare new status could serve a model for peace between the two peoples.

"It is a great honor to be offered a passport," he said late on Saturday after a Beethoven piano recital in Ramallah, the West Bank city where he has been active for some years in promoting contact between young Arab and Israeli musicians.

"I have also accepted it because I believe that the destinies of ... the Israeli people and the Palestinian people are inextricably linked," Barenboim said. "We are blessed - or cursed - to live with each other. And I prefer the first."

"The fact that an Israeli citizen can be awarded a Palestinian passport, can be a sign that it is actually possible," he continued."

Read the full piece here.

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