Philadelphia Councilwoman "denounces" PA governor's support for terror, following PMW exposure
Philadelphia Councilwoman “denounces”
statements by PA Governor Ghannam
and considers withdrawing citation,
following PMW exposure
of Ghannam’s terror support
f
PA terror supporter Ghannam was honored
by Councilwoman Maria Sánchez
with Liberty Bell and "Citation of Honor"
by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik
 |
Sánchez posted pictures of herself on Facebook with Laila Ghannam holding up the miniature Liberty Bell, but the post has since been removed, along with a tweet in which Sanchez also expressed her admiration for Ghannam. [Philadelphia Councilwoman Maria Sanchez's Facebook page, Jan. 30, 2015] |
Yesterday, Palestinian Media Watch exposed that PA Governor Laila Ghannam, who was honored by Philadelphia Councilwoman Maria Sánchez, actively supports PA terror by glorifying terrorists and promising to continue their “path.” Councilwoman Sánchez awarded Ghannam a replica of the Liberty Bell and a "Citation of Honor” last month.
PMW sent a copy to Councilwoman Sánchez of yesterday’s report, which documented that Ghannam has honored dozens of Palestinian terrorists who have murdered hundreds of civilians. Within hours, Sánchez issued a statement including the following words:
“I fully and unequivocally denounce the sentiments attributed to Governor Ghannam in this video...”
When asked for further clarification by PMW, Sánchez’s office wrote:
“The use of the word ‘attributed’ was simply because the Councilwoman can only read these statements in PalWatch’s (PMW’s) translation, as she doesn’t speak Arabic. Her condemnation of the content, as translated, is unequivocal.”
Also in response to PMW’s query, Sánchez's office added: “We will look into whether it is possible to withdraw a citation.”
Councilwoman Maria Sánchez has been serving the 7th District on the City Council of Philadelphia since 2008.
The following is the full statement sent by Councilwoman Sánchez’s office to PMW:
“Statement from Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez:
I was invited to attend this event to meet the first woman elected governor in the Palestinian Authority, and whose work was described to me as humanitarian in nature and centered on furthering the rights of women and girls. My office honored her for these reasons.
I fully and unequivocally denounce the sentiments attributed to Governor Ghannam in this video, and have consistently condemned terrorist violence.
As an elected official who represents a significant Muslim-American population, including many Palestinian refugee families, I know my Muslim constituents to be good citizens and contributors to their communities. I strongly support interfaith efforts to build understanding across cultural and ethnic barriers, and I am committed to open, honest and productive dialogue with all who share the goal of peace.”