Ministry for Diaspora Affairs | October 2024

Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Antisemitism and Indoctrination Promoting the Destruction of Israel by the Palestinian Authority (PA)

1 As mentioned, children and teenagers are regularly exposed to the encouragement of terrorist activities and the delegitimization of Israel. 2 Senior officials in the Palestinian Authority, district governors, and municipal officials are responsible for glorifying terrorists by organizing official rallies, naming streets and squares after terrorists, and holding sports events in their honor. The systematic commemoration and glorification of terrorists during official events create role models for children and young adults. 3 Notable events take place, such as ceremonies sponsored by Abu Mazen, the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority (PA), for the children of martyrs and prisoners. 4 Moreover, the 7/10 massacre is explained by senior PA officials and Abbas’ circle as a natural response to Israeli actions; it is not defined as terrorism and, therefore, is not condemned. 5 In an interview with Al Jazeera (January 16, 2024), Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki stated that “ Fatah’s ideology is the liberation of all Palestinian land, despite its involvement in peace agreements with Israel.” He also said, “As long as [Hamas military leader] Mohammed Deif is walking on his feet, we [the Palestinians] are in a good state .” 111 6 Fatah Central Committee Secretary Jibril Rajoub similarly referred (November 22, 2023) to the Hamas massacre : “What happened on October 7 is not terrorism but a natural response to Israel’s terrorism.” 112 According to him (August 6, 2024),

Yahya Sinwar is a “pragmatic,” “realistic” person whom Israel is demonizing. 113 7 Similarly, Minister of Women’s Affairs Mona al-Khalili posted a video in English and Arabic on her profile on October 11, 2023, stating that “what is happening are acts of resistance, not terrorism. This is called occupied Palestine, not Israel. Take a close look at the war of October 7. ” 114

8 In terms of delegitimizing the State of Israel, the Palestinian public sphere is filled with official content defaming Israel and its Jewish citizens, mainly settlers, in a way that creates dehumanization. 9 When combining the prevalent view that Israel’s existence is temporary with the encouragement of terrorism and its glorification, a mix is created that may influence children and youth to take an active part in the armed struggle – and indeed this too often happens. 10 This chapter will focus on examples of the glorification of terrorism and delegitimization by the PA in the public sphere, with an emphasis on the target audience of children and young adults.

111 https://www.memri.org.il/cgi-webaxy/item?6049 112 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4ccr45z5XA 113 https://www.memri.org.il/cgi-webaxy/item?6202 114 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1169443977792285

54