Tribute to the late Ziad Rahbani by Avichay Adraee draws ridicule and criticism.
Sally Shakkour, the leader of the English news team at Al Bawaba, has been monitoring the social media accounts of the news outlet with her insights and knowledge of current trends and popular issues. She is a seasoned news and breaking news writer with over 6 years of experience in publishing content and digital journalism.
Sally excels in writing original node stories and her work also involves monitoring social media accounts. Recently, her attention was drawn to a controversial tribute posted by Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army spokesperson, on social media.
Adraee paid tribute to the late Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani, who passed away on July 26, 2025, from cirrhosis of the liver. However, Rahbani was known for his strong opposition to Israel and its actions against Palestinians. This led to a backlash on social media, with thousands of comments mocking Adraee for praising an artist who was considered a resistance figure and Israel's adversary.
Critics reminded Adraee that Rahbani had always shown a firm stance against Israel and its actions against Palestinians. One commenter thanked Adraee for admitting that Rahbani resisted "the ugliness, fear, and injustice" associated with him and his friends. However, another commenter stated that Rahbani was a resistance fighter and Israel was his first enemy.
Avichay Adraee, in his tribute, praised Rahbani as a voice of a free conscience, the pulse of the street, and the mockery of an intellectual who was not afraid of the truth. Despite the criticism, Adraee's tribute sparked a debate on social media, with some commenters appreciating Adraee's gesture and others questioning its appropriateness given Rahbani's political stance and history.
Sally Shakkour, with her good knowledge of Google's SEO and digital journalism, has been following this developing story closely and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
- Sally Shakkour, monitoring the social media accounts at Al Bawaba, noted the controversy surrounding Avichay Adraee's tribute for the late Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani, drawing the attention of thousands commenting on social media.
- The tribute, posted by Adraee, a known Israeli army spokesperson, praised Rahbani for being a voice of a free conscience, the pulse of the street, and the mockery of an intellectual, but his political stance opposed Israel and its actions against Palestinians.
- The ensuing debate on social media showcased opinions that both applauded Adraee's appreciation for Rahbani, a resistance fighter, and those that questioned the appropriateness of the gesture, given Rahbani's history of opposition to Israel.
- Sally Shakkour, with her background in breaking news, digital journalism, and knowledge of Google's SEO, will continue to cover this developing story closely, providing updates on the rapidly evolving pop-culture and news landscape involving celebrities, history, and the culture of resistance.
