I remember when Michael Jackson came to Tunisia to perform two shows. A aunt of mine attended the show and then wrote us a letter describing it as an unforgettable night. She sent us the concert ticket: a colorful cutout of Jackson dressed in his famous stage attire. I regret that we have lost that ticket.

Jackson was loved in Tunisia. Walking around the country, when strangers would learn at the, say, local corner store that I am from the U.S. they would often jokingly tell me to ask Michael Jackson to return. He dead was deeply felt.

And shared by the rest of the Arab world. I have already posted a video of a band of Saudis dancing to Jackson. It was a testament to his appeal.

When Jackson came to Tunisia, he every move was followed by the adoring media and ecstatic fans. Jackson was serenaded by Tunisian children and much else:

Palestinian rap artist Sabreena da Witch spoke for Palestine when she wrote,

I love you from the bottom of my heart, I will never forget you, how could I ?
Thank you Michael Jackson for my childhood youth and my adult life soundtrack.
May you rest in Peace and power. One day they will all know the truth and your name will rest among us the living dead as well.
Say hello to god, tell her she did a magnificent job with you.
I hope you will find mercy there,
and don’t worry for us, we all get what we deserve.
I wish you left the way you deserved to. Not like that!

For us here I wish wisdom, I wish we would let go of people and remember them for the best, at least when their bodies collapse.
Allah m3ak ya maleq.

And the Lebanese honored Michael with an imitation show:

And Michael loved the Arabs back. Besides performing there, Jackson spent part of his last years living in Bahrain and converted to Islam. He was often seen wearing the abaya, which is only worn by women:

Michael’s lyrical genius also makes him an honorable Arab.