By Itamar Marcus, Palestinian Media Watch Bulletin, January 18, 2004.
Introduction: The Palestinian Authority (PA) continues to use sports events to
present terrorists as role models for youth. This week the PA named a youth
sport gathering after a former leader of the terrorist Al-Aksa Brigades who was
responsible for numerous murders.
The terrorist Marwan Zalum sent the sniper
who killed the infant Shalhevet Pass, while she was held in her father’s arms,
and later sent a suicide bomber to Jerusalem in April 2002, killing six and
injuring 85.
This week’s youth gathering named for Zalum was under the auspices of
Yasser Arafat and the Ministry of Youth and Sport. Speakers included the
terrorist’s widow and the Chairman of the PA Legislative Council, who praised
the terrorist. A film was shown about the terrorist’s life.
All this was within the framework of a sports event for young people.
The following is from the article in the Palestinian Authority daily Al Quds:
“Under the auspicious of President Yasser Arafat, the Administration of Youth
and Sport and the Legislating Council, the conference after the Martyr
Marwan Zalum opened in the presence of the Chairman of the Legislative
Council, Rafiq al-Natshe, the Minister Sulayman Abu Snina, the wife of the
Martyr, Governor of the Hebron District, Arif Al-Ja’bari, and Deputy Chairman
of the Palestinian soccer union, George Ghattas …
The first speaker was the wife of the Martyr, commander Marwan Zalum …
She said: “Marwan … loved this land. His only wish was to be a soldier,
citizen and commander to protect his country, his homeland, and nation.”
A film was shown about the life of the Martyr Marwan Zalum the commander of
the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade …
Later on the chairman of the Legislative Council spoke and gave his
blessing and appreciation to the wife of the Martyr Marwan Zalum …”
