Palestinian Media Watch Bulletin
June 6, 2004
PALESTINIAN MEDIA WATCH
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Child Soldiers of the Palestinian Authority
Mother: I would have preferred a different son had died
by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook

The Palestinian Authority continues to promote the use of children as
soldiers and to present their deaths as valuable and heroic.

During a long interview today, PA TV displayed the pictures of two
15-year-old combatants holding an assault rifle and a pistol.
These children were killed while attacking an Israeli town in 2003, and
have been honored by PA society for their deed as heroic Shahids (Martyrs).

The text on picture of the dead children reads: "The Popular Resistance
Committee proudly announce the falling of three Shahids of the Great Islam."

This picture, shown throughout the interview with the dead children's
parents, presents a strong message to viewers -- and especially to children
-- that the dead combatants are role models for children.

The interviewer praised 15 year-old Mohammed who "always aspired Shahada
(Martyrdom) despite his young age.. He said the 2 dead combatants "became
outstanding for all Palestinians, outstanding in their medals of honor --
Shahada."

The mother of 15 year-old Tareq said: "It was sad and joyous about him,
meaning, he always liked the Shahada. All children at his age do. He was my
first son, he always cared for me. I would have preferred that one of his
other brothers would have attained Shahada instead of him, because he was
the joy of my life."

It is striking that the mother who clearly mourned her son, could not bring
herself to break the PA taboo by expressing regret at the loss of her child
as a Shahid. Instead, she expressed a preference "that one of his other
brothers" would have died as a Shahid. This would be acceptable in PA
society, as she did not reject what is expected of her as an Palestinian
mother - to offer her sons to Allah as a Shahid.

[PA TV June 6, 2004]