PA official prevented entry to Israel because of PMW exposed hate speech
Jibril Rajoub, senior PA official,
prevented entry into Israel
because of his hate speech
exposed by PMW
prevented entry into Israel
because of his hate speech
exposed by PMW
by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik
The Israeli government prevented senior Palestinian Authority leader Jibril Rajoub from entering Israel, citing examples of his incitement against Israel that were exposed by Palestinian Media Watch. Israeli TV Channel 2 News cited Rajoub's statement last month:
PMW bulletin, May 8, 2013:
"We as yet don't have a nuke, but I swear that if we had a nuke,
we'd have used it this very morning."
we'd have used it this very morning."
[PA TV (Fatah), April 30, 3013]
Reporting the refusal to allow Rajoub to enter, the Israeli daily Ha'aretz website posted links to two PMW videos as examples of Rajoub's incitement:
"I understand by normalization that the relationship between me and you will be normal, that we'll play [sports] together and there will be a joint program. I say: There will never be normalization [with Israel] in sports... Next time [we meet with journalists], we are prepared to bring the Executive Committee [from Jordan] in helicopters so they will see no Jews, no Satans and no Zionist sons of bitches."
[PA TV (Fatah), May 17, 2012]
PMW bulletin, Dec. 13, 2012:
"Whoever invades our territory, will leave in a wooden plank (i.e., in a coffin). This land is our land... Out of loyalty to your blood, Yasser Arafat, you who died during this month, we will not return the sword to its sheath until there is a state... Resistance is Fatah's strategic right - in all its forms... We are ready - if there's shooting, we'll shoot. If there are demonstrations, we'll demonstrate."
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 29, 2012]
Israel's Meretz Party had invited Rajoub to attend a party conference in Israel. Israeli TV Channel 2 reported that Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon explained his decision with the words:
"Jibril Rajoub incites [against Israel]. I'm not prepared when someone spits on me to say that it's rain." [Channel 2 News (Israel), June 7, 2013]
Meretz chairwoman, MK Zahava Gal-On, criticized the decision saying:
"This is an attempt at silencing one of the outstanding peace-seekers on the other side." [Haaretz website, June 6, 2013]
Contrary to Rajoub's inciting remarks in Arabic, he chooses to send a message of peace in Hebrew. In 2010, he was among the PA senior officials who participated in a video made by the Geneva Initiative addressing Israelis with messages of peace in Hebrew. Rajoub repeated the core message of the campaign: "I'm your partner."The following are other statements by Jibril Rajoub, Member of the Fatah Central Committee, Chairman of the Palestinian Football Association and head of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, in which he promotes hatred, honors terrorists and justifies violence:
Rajoub defending violence and glorifying terror:
Rajoub attended sports tournament named after terrorist Abu Jihad:
Headline: "The Boxing Association ends the Martyr (Shahid) Abu Jihad Tournament with great success."
"With huge success and excellent organization, the events of the third classification tournament for youth and men, the 'Martyr Abu Jihad Tournament', organized by the Palestinian Boxing Association, ended in the Al-Istiqlal University in Jericho (The Palestinian Academy for Security Sciences)... The championship was attended by [Member of Fatah Central Committee] and Chairman of the Al-Istiqlal University board, Tawfiq Tirawi... and Yusuf Lafi, representing [Member of Fatah Central Committee] and Chairman of the Olympic Committee, Jibril Rajoub."
"With huge success and excellent organization, the events of the third classification tournament for youth and men, the 'Martyr Abu Jihad Tournament', organized by the Palestinian Boxing Association, ended in the Al-Istiqlal University in Jericho (The Palestinian Academy for Security Sciences)... The championship was attended by [Member of Fatah Central Committee] and Chairman of the Al-Istiqlal University board, Tawfiq Tirawi... and Yusuf Lafi, representing [Member of Fatah Central Committee] and Chairman of the Olympic Committee, Jibril Rajoub."
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Feb. 22, 2013]
Note: Abu Jihad (Khalil Al-Wazir) was a founder of Fatah and deputy to Yasser Arafat. He headed the PLO terror organization's military wing and planned many deadly Fatah terror attacks, including the worst in Israeli history, the hijacking of a bus and killing of 37 civilians, 12 of them children.
Rajoub declares violence is legitimate until a Palestinian state is formed:
"Whoever invades our territory, will leave in a wooden plank (i.e., in a coffin). This land is our land... Out of loyalty to your blood, Yasser Arafat, you who died during this month, we will not return the sword to its sheath until there is a state... Resistance is Fatah's strategic right - in all its forms... We are ready - if there's shooting, we'll shoot. If there are demonstrations, we'll demonstrate."
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 29, 2012]
Rajoub expresses support for "all forms of struggle," including "the rifle":
"This is a popular struggle. We still believe in all forms of the struggle. No one has removed the rifle from the equation. However, for us, the struggle is a means, and the end is freedom and independence."
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 5, 2012]
Rajoub says that remembering Israeli athletes murdered by Palestinian terrorists at 1972 Olympics would be "racism":
Headline: "Rajoub expresses appreciation for Rogge's position [rejecting a moment of silence commemorating Israeli athletes murdered in 1972 Olympics] and emphasizes that sports are meant for peace, not for racism"
"'Sports are a bridge to love, interconnection, and spreading peace among nations; it must not be a cause of division and spreading of racism between them.' With these words the President of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, Jibril Rajoub, began a special letter which he sent to president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge. He expressed appreciation for [Rogge's] position, who opposed the Israeli position, which demanded a moment's silence at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London. He said that his position not to politicize sports, and his determination to implement the International Olympic Charter represents a victory for freedom in sports."
"'Sports are a bridge to love, interconnection, and spreading peace among nations; it must not be a cause of division and spreading of racism between them.' With these words the President of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, Jibril Rajoub, began a special letter which he sent to president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge. He expressed appreciation for [Rogge's] position, who opposed the Israeli position, which demanded a moment's silence at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London. He said that his position not to politicize sports, and his determination to implement the International Olympic Charter represents a victory for freedom in sports."
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 25, 2012]
In 2005, Hamas terrorists crossed the border into Israel and killed 3 Israeli soldiers and kidnapped Gilad Shalit, who they held hostage for 5 years. Hamas demanding the release of thousands of terrorist murderers, including many who were in jail for planning suicide bombings which killed dozens of Israeli civilians. In October 2011, the Israeli government gave in to Hamas and agreed to release 1,027 Palestinian imprisoned terrorists in exchange for Shalit.
At a ceremony honoring these released terrorists, Rajoub spoke in the name of Mahmoud Abbas expressing highest praise to both Hamas and the released terrorists:
Moderator: "We shall now hear the address by the representative of the President [Mahmoud Abbas], to be delivered by Jibril Rajoub."
Rajoub, representing Abbas: "I say in the name of the Fatah movement -- we salute those who dug the tunnel [to capture Shalit]; we salute those who captured the captive, and salute those who guarded the captive until this deal was completed [Applause] ... I salute our courageous prisoners and I say `to you -- [I cannot] describe you, neither as heroes, nor as courageous, nor anything else. There are no words [of honor] in the Arab dictionary, nor in any other dictionary, to describe you, but this modest reception is [our] utmost honor to you, your history, and your families."
[PA TV (Fatah), Oct. 30, 2011]
Rajoub compares throwing a hand grenade to building a school:
"Building a school and throwing a hand grenade, in my opinion, are resistance. I build the school in order to strengthen the reasons for my people's resolve, as one of several aspects of the resistance, and when there is a need to throw a grenade [or launch] a rocket, I'll do that as well."
[PA TV (Fatah), May 12, 2010]
Boxing tournament attended by Rajoub named after terrorist Ali Hassan Salameh:
Headline: "In the presence of [Jibril] Rajoub [Head of Palestinian Olympic Committee] successful conclusion to the Second Palestine Boxing Tournament...
"[It] was named by the Palestinian Boxing Association after Shahid Ali Hassan Salameh, the 'Red Prince.'"
"[It] was named by the Palestinian Boxing Association after Shahid Ali Hassan Salameh, the 'Red Prince.'"
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Aug. 9, 2010]
Note: Ali Hassan Salameh (son of Hassan Salameh, born 1940, killed Jan. 22, 1979, also called Abu Hassan) - Commander of operations of the Black September terror organization. He planned many terror attacks, including the attack on the Israeli team at the Munich Olympics in 1972, in which 11 Israeli athletes were murdered.
Rajoub: "The Sixth Fatah Conference affirmed... the armed struggle"
"At the [Sixth Fatah] Conference, we affirmed the struggle in all its forms, including resistance and the armed struggle... We agreed on it unanimously about both the movement's aims and its principles, including the resistance and the armed struggle. The [armed] struggle, as we see it, is not an aim; it is not a hike or a pleasure cruise. [Armed] resistance has circumstances, considerations, and factors - whether national, regional or international. It must cause pain to the occupation; it must be connected to a political platform."
[PA TV (Fatah), Aug. 6, 2010]
Rajoub says Palestinians are not restricted in battle against Israel:
"We have a resolution of the [2009 Fatah] Congress that our battle with the Israelis is open, and our options are not limited to popular resistance."
[PA TV (Fatah), April 2, 2010]
Rajoub opposes any normalization with Israel:
Rajoub completely rejects "joint meetings or games" with Israelis:
"Head of the [Palestinian] Football Association [and Deputy-Secretary of the Fatah Central Committee and Chairman of the Palestinian Olympic Committee], Jibril Rajoub met with economic Vice President of the Barcelona Football Club, Javier Faus. He discussed a few issues related to organizing the Catalonian team's future visit to Palestine, in addition to ways of strengthening cooperation between the Palestinian Association and the old club. Rajoub reiterated his complete objection to holding joint meetings or games of any kind that would be attended by Israeli players or administrators."
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, May 23, 2013]
Rajoub supports boycott of Adidas shoes for sponsoring Jerusalem Marathon, saying "Jerusalem will remain Arabic - Islamic and Christian":
Headline: "Arab Sports Ministers decide to boycott 'Adidas', which sponsors the Israeli marathon in occupied Jerusalem...Jibril Rajoub, announced: 'Jerusalem will remain Arabic - Islamic and Christian, and any element that supports the Israeli occupation in this city will be boycotted by all Arabs.' He added, 'This resolution [to boycott Adidas] was passed in accordance with a request submitted by Palestine.'"
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, April 5, 2012]
Rajoub opposes normalization with Israel "in all its forms," including sports:
"Chairman of the Palestinian Olympic Committee and the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, once again yesterday expressed his opposition to normalization in all its forms, including normalization in the realm of sports.'"
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Jan. 8, 2012]
Rajoub: "Normalization [of relations with Israel] does not exist in the Palestinian sports lexicon"
Headline: "Rajoub calls to remove Israel from international sports associations"
"Chairman of the Football Association and head of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, Jibril Rajoub, called to remove Israel from all world Olympic associations and committees if it continues to act stubbornly and not honor international agreements and conventions. In his speech yesterday... he emphasized that he is prepared to lead this move himself, but with the support and assistance of the Arab states. He emphasized that the term normalization [of relations with Israel] does not exist in the Palestinian sports lexicon."
"Chairman of the Football Association and head of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, Jibril Rajoub, called to remove Israel from all world Olympic associations and committees if it continues to act stubbornly and not honor international agreements and conventions. In his speech yesterday... he emphasized that he is prepared to lead this move himself, but with the support and assistance of the Arab states. He emphasized that the term normalization [of relations with Israel] does not exist in the Palestinian sports lexicon."
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, May 18, 2012]
Rajoub opposes normalization of relations with Israel through sports:
"In response to a question about recent reports concerning normalization, [Jibril] Rajoub said: 'Normalization [of relations with Israel] is when there's a friendly match between some player or some sports team [with an Israeli player or team], whether in the territories occupied in '48 (i.e., Israel) or in '67...' He noted that the Palestinian teams that are under the responsibility of the Olympic Committee have not played, and will not play under any circumstances, inside the Green Line (i.e., in Israel)."
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Jan. 16, 2012]
Rajoub does not recognize Israel's right to exist:
Fatah official Jibril Rajoub: "Hey [Netanyahu], you dog, you invader"
"Netanyahu - all his projects are in trouble, and he's under pressure. He goes around barking in Efrat. Hey [Netanyahu], you dog, you invader: this is Palestinian [land] whether you like it or not! We were born here. We are the people of this land, and we are the salt of this earth - not you!"
[PA TV (Fatah), Aug. 30, 2012]
Rajoub's peace message to Israelis in Hebrew in 2010:
Jibril Rajoub: "I am your partner."
Narrator: "Jibril Rajoub, a leading figure in the Palestinian Authority, became a public figure following 17 years in the Israeli prison.
- [He] took part in negotiations with Israel and served as National Security Adviser in the Palestinian Authority.
- Married and father of four."
Rajoub: "I believe we have an historic opportunity for you and for us. We have a Palestinian leadership headed by Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas), and his government headed by Salam Fayyad, committed to a solution of two states for two peoples and the consensus within the Arab world is to recognize the existence of the State of Israel in exchange for ending the occupation. In my opinion, the international atmosphere is positive and supportive of achieving peace and mutual recognition with a political solution for our conflict. I am telling you that we have an opportunity here. You have a serious partner. You have a Palestinian leadership that is committed to and believes in a two state solution. We are partners. Are you?
Text on screen: "Yes to an agreement. The Geneva Initiative."
[Heskem TV, uploaded to YouTube Sept. 14, 2010,
http://youtu.be/Ol43I6xUEiw ]