Singer-songwriter Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, released on Sunday a charity song whose proceeds will go towards assisting Palestinians in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
The new recording of the song “The Day the World Gets Round, originally recorded by George Harrison, features Islam on vocals and Klaus Voorman, known to many as the fifth Beatle, on bass.
The song can be downloaded online at different rates and its proceeds will go towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Save the Children to aid children and families in the Gaza Strip, UNRWA said in a statement.
Islam said on his website he hoped the recording will help remind people of the immense legacy of love, peace and happiness we can share when we get round to looking at mankind’s futile wars and prejudices.
As Cat Stevens, Islam, now 59, recorded several major hits in the late 1960s and 1970s. He converted to Islam at the height of his fame in 1977, devoting himself to education and philanthropy.
Israel s 22-day offensive in the Hamas-ruled territory, which ended on Jan. 18, killed more than 1,300 Palestinians, including hundreds of women and children. It also left widespread destruction.
UNRWA said the song can be purchased online at http://www.jamalrecords.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home. -AFP
