3/5 reading response

While rap music is generally not a genre that I typically listen to, I have to say that I do appreciate how this type of music has evolved from its humble beginnings in the American inner-city to become so well known across the globe. I respect how rap is being used by both Israeli and Palestinian artists to convey political ideas in a new and creative way; the music isn't simply glorifying the street lifestyle, which many rap artists have certainly been guilty of doing in the past. Some Palestinians are actually doing the opposite of some of their American counterparts, rap is being used to bring attention to the crime and poverty that have become such major points of concern in impoverished neighborhoods. For the Palestinians living in Israel rap is also about expressing their frustration with the political atmosphere, and how they have been relegated to second-class citizenship. One rapper named Mahmoud Jreri made a comment that serves as a rather effective summation of Palestinian-Israeli's view of their own social status within Israel. Jreri stated that: "having an Israeli passport means nothing...when I go to the airport, they still think I am a terrorist. It doesn't matter what you call us, we live in a racist country." While these rhymes and creative beats are unlikely to significantly change the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it is impossible to not appreciate those who shed light on this conflict in a new and creative way.  
I was most interested in the website pertaining to HEARTBEAT: JERUSALEM. I see great benefit to be had in engaging young Israelis and Palestinians in a relatively nonpolitical setting. As I read about this program and the Israeli and Palestinian musicians an important question began to surface. Is it common for Israelis and Palestinians to listen to each other's music? It is important to know how much interaction already occurs as this shows what type of roadblocks cultural exchange programs face.