The Palestinian Authority glorifies Abu Jihad, Marwan Barghouti and other mass murderers.
By Rachel Avraham
According to a recent report in Palestinian Media Watch, “The Palestinian Authority has turned arch-terrorist Abu Jihad (Khalil Al-Wazir) into one of the greatest role models for Palestinian society. He headed the PLO terror organization’s military wing and planned many deadly Fatah terror attacks from the 1960s – 1980s in which 125 Israelis were murdered. As these “achievements” are a source of eternal pride for Palestinians, the PA and all PA institutions commemorate and glorify Abu Jihad on the anniversary of his death.”
“Affectionately hailing Abu Jihad as “the Prince of Martyrs,” the PA praised him in its official daily, highlighting the numerous terror attacks he planned,” Palestinian Media Watch noted. “The paper even stated how many Israelis were murdered in some of Abu Jihad’s “military operations,” among them the Coastal Road massacre that, prior to Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, was the most lethal in Israel’s history with 37 murdered Israelis, among them 12 children.”
As Al Hayat Al Jadida reported, “Abu Jihad, the deputy general commander of the revolution forces and engineer of the first Intifada (i.e., Palestinian wave of violence and terror against Israel, approximately 200 Israelis murdered, 1987-1993)…Among the military operations (i.e., terror attacks) that Abu Jihad planned: the Zohar reservoir bombing (i.e., near Beit Hanoun in Gaza) in 1955; the operation to blow up the Israeli National Water Carrier pipelines (Eilabun tunnel) in 1965; the Savoy Hotel operation in Tel Aviv and the killing of 10 Israelis (sic., 11) in 1975; the operation to blow up a truck bomb in Jerusalem (15 murdered – ed.) in 1975; the operation to kill Albert Levy, the senior sapper and his assistant, in Nablus in 1976; the Dalal Mughrabi operation, in which more than 37 Israelis were killed, in 1978; the operation to shell the Eilat Port in 1979; and the Katyusha fire on the northern settlements (i.e., towns in northern Israel) in 1981.”
Palestinian National Council Chairman Rawhi Fattouh similarly posted on Facebook: “A statement from the Palestinian National Council (i.e., the legislative body of the PLO) presidential office on the anniversary of the death as a Martyr of great commander Khalil Al-Wazir ‘Abu Jihad’. On this date in 1988, the malicious hands of the occupation’s (i.e., Israel’s) arms and its security forces succeeded in killing a symbol and paradigm of the Palestinian revolution, unique leader Khalil Al-Wazir ‘Abu Jihad,’ … He was one of the first founders of the Fatah Movement and a member of its [Fatah] Central Committee, the mastermind behind the quality operations (i.e., terror attacks) in the history of the revolution, a sharp politician and military man who combined wisdom in leadership and determination in confrontation.”
According to Palestinian Media Watch, “PA educational institutions also mark the day of Abu Jihad’s death. Fatah’s Shabiba High School Movement arranged a “cultural competition” called “Remaining Loyal to the Path” at schools in Nablus. The top of the competition registration form features a picture of terrorist Abu Jihad and a picture of former PLO and PA Chairman Yasser Arafat, making it clear that students are being encouraged to remain loyal to their path of terror.”
Former Israeli Arab Member of Parliament and Head of the High Follow-Up Committee for the Arab Citizens of Israel Muhammad Barakeh credited Abu Jihad – together with Arafat – with initiating and “managing” the first Intifada, which resulted in “unprecedented achievements.” Palestinian Media Watch added, “Another great “hero” of Palestinian society is imprisoned terrorist and member of the PA parliament and Fatah Central Committee Marwan Barghouti, who orchestrated three shooting attacks in which 5 people were murdered. While Barghouti is serving 5 life sentences, he is also the PA’s “national symbol and model of inspiration for the masses,” according to Abbas’ deputy in Fatah, Mahmoud Al-Aloul. This is so much so that terrorist Barghouti often comes out at the top of polls when Palestinians are asked who they would elect for PA chairman. On the anniversary of Barghouti’s arrest, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah praised him as “the engineer of the Al-Aqsa Intifada” – the PA’s 5-year terror campaign during which more than 1,100 Israelis were murdered.”
As the Fatah Commission of Information and Culture posted on Facebook, “The Fatah Movement emphasized that fighter commander Fatah Central Committee member prisoner Marwan Barghouti ‘Abu Al-Qassam’ has become – through his sacrifice, struggle, and daring – an awe-inspiring symbol for our people and for all the free people and fighters who have followed in his footsteps… Fatah also explained that leader [Marwan Barghouti] will remain one of the prominent figures on the national struggle path. It recalled his pioneering, national, and organizational role ever since he led the student movement and up to his role on the ground during the first Intifada and second Intifada, and added that it [Fatah] is committed to the principles outlined by its leaders, founders, and fighters in their great sacrifice.”
As Palestinian Media Watch noted, “Fatah also praised terrorist Barghouti as “a shining example on the path of the Palestinian struggle and an awe-inspiring symbol for our people.” Abbas’ party then stressed that it endorses Barghouti’s path of murder and terror, stating that it is “committed to the principles outlined by its leaders, founders, and fighters.”
Photo from PalWatch: https://palwatch.org/page/37144
