CTV News Montreal

Updated: Thu Sep. 24 2009 10:28:53 PM

CTV.ca News Staff

For the first time in decades, veteran singer and poet Leonard Cohen has performed in Israel, despite calls to cancel the show from Palestinian rights activists.

It was one of the most anticipated events in the Middle Eastern state in years. Tickets, which cost more than $250 apiece, reportedly sold out within 12 hours.

Nearly 50,000 people were expected to attend. For those who don't speak English, a screen above the stage displayed Cohen's lyrics in Hebrew.

The show was billed as a "concert for reconciliation, tolerance and peace." Proceeds, which may reach $2 million, will go to Israeli and Palestinian charities, many of which benefit children.

However, the performance was also targeted by Palestinian rights activists seeking to organize a cultural boycott against Israel. They compared the concert to performing in South Africa during apartheid.

Amnesty International had agreed to help distribute funds raised from the concert to local charities, but later pulled its support.

In a statement, the rights group said it's "impressed by Leonard Cohen's commitment to use his talent to benefit directly those working for human rights and continues to hope that this wish will be realized."

"Amnesty International has taken no position on boycotts anywhere in the world," the statement continued.

The 75-year-old Montreal resident touched down in Tel Aviv earlier this week. He kept a low profile in the days leading up to his performance, even dispatching an impersonator at the airport who wore his signature fedora hat. The legendary singer followed a few steps behind, bareheaded.

Cohen had offered to hold a second concert in the West Bank town of Ramallah. But that plan was condemned by some Palestinians because of the scheduled Tel Aviv show, and was soon scrapped.

The singer and poet is currently on a world tour. On Friday, he collapsed onstage in Valencia, Spain, while performing "Bird on a Wire." He was rushed to hospital and later released. His fall was reportedly caused by a stomach ailment.

On Monday he performed at a concert in Barcelona, without incident.

Cohen was born into a Jewish family and is now a practicing Buddhist. His most memorable Israeli concert was arguably held in 1973, when he performed for soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces during the Yom Kippur War.

With a report from CTV's Janet Dirks