Off-Duty Soldiers Heckled Israeli "Idol" Rocker At a Show He Gave in Rehovot

Israeli ‘idol’ apologizes: The winner of Israel’s version of “American Idol” apologized for making unpatriotic comments.

Jacko Eisenberg, who took first place earlier this month in Channel 2’s popular songfest “A Star is Born,” drew fire and boycott threats after boasting about dodging the draft and not bothering to vote in national elections.

After off-duty soldiers heckled the 26-year-old rocker at a show he gave in Rehovot over the weekend, he went on national television to apologize.

“Really, really, really, from the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry,” he said.

“I’m sorry about things that just slipped out, and ended up hurting people.”

He also explained that, as the only child of a widow, he was legally exempt from mandatory military service.

Source: Israeli ‘idol’ apologizes. JTA.org (17 September 2006) [FullText]