Paul Calvert spoke to Jacob Shaheen



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Jacob: Yes

Paul: What is next for you?

Winning The Palestinian National Singing Competition 'New Star'

Jacob: I am at university. In one year I will graduate. Here in Bethlehem and the Palestinian Authority there is not a company for the musician and the singers. We go out of the country and don't stay here, because the situation is not good. There are not companies to take the singers and musician. Maybe I will continue in Jordan.

Paul: Have you released any more music?

Jacob: Until now no, I am preparing for this, maybe in the future.

Paul: Young people living in Bethlehem can often feel hopeless. Did it give you hope when you won this competition?

Jacob: Yes. On the New Star TV programme, every step there was hope inside of me to continue, but thanks God all the people love me and vote for me. My family particularly and the people in Bethlehem they are great.

Paul: What's your dream for the future?

Jacob: To be famous singer in the Arab world and in Europe and America.

Paul: Would you like to cross over in western culture to do music in the west?

Jacob: Maybe yes, for the Arab in England and America; for the English people.

Paul: What's your prayer for the youth of Bethlehem?

Jacob: I would thank all the people here first. Bethlehem is the holy place in the entire world because Jesus was born here. I would like people to live in peace with each other; to love each other; to not always say that our life is not good. I would also like people to stay in Bethlehem and not to immigrate outside. That's my hope. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.