Israel granted citizenship to renowned pianist Evgeny Kissin last weekend.

Mr Kissin, who applied for Israeli citizenship a year ago, was presented with his new Israeli passport and ID card by Absorption Minister Sofa Landver.

Jewish Agency chairman Natan Sharansky was also at the presentation.

Mr Kissin said: “Since long ago I have felt that Israel… is the only state in the world with which I can fully identify myself, whose case, problems, tragedies and very destiny I perceive to be mine.

“When Israel’s enemies try to disrupt concerts of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra or the Jerusalem Quartet, I want them to come and make troubles at my concerts, too: because Israel’s case is my case, Israel’s enemies are my enemies. I want all the people who appreciate my art to know that I am a Jew, that I belong to the People of Israel.”