Ragheb Alama to be given Palestinian passport

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to grant Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama with a Palestinian passport. Ragheb was on the jury panel of Arab Idol, which saw Palestinian pop star Mohammad Assaf shoot to fame after he won the contest. His support for Assaf is expected to be honoured by the ruling Palestinian Authority (PA). A close source to Abbas said, the president’s office would honour Ragheb Alama for his "love, loyalty and belonging towards Palestine, the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause during all the episodes of the show." Crowds of supporters in Gaza and the West Bank erupted in celebration after Mohammad Assaf was announced winner. In 2005, Lebanese poet, Zahi Wehbe was the first Arab to be granted Palestinian citizenship in recognition of his support for the struggle of the Palestinian people.