- The terrorist act was strongly condemned by every single Palestinian
organization and entity: Fatah, the Democratic Front for the
Liberation of Palestine, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine,
Hamas, unions, Human Right Organizations (AlHaq, Law,
Palestine Center for Human Rights), workers committees, student associations,
municipalities, mosques and churches, etc.
- It was also condemned by every single Arab American, Muslim American,
and other countless human rights organizations supporting
Palestinian human rights
- Palestinian lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi told a news conference the celebrations
were "misguided" and "aberrations" motivated by a
feeling among Palestinians that they have been victims of U.S. backing
for Israel. Palestinian analyst Ghassan al-Khatib said the
``human tragedy'' in the United States should not be exploited
for political gains by making Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims look
like the "bad guys.'' The majority of Palestinians condemned and were
horrified and shocked by the terrorist attacks and identified
with the victims (as victims themselves).
- We won't know the numbers but there are likely dozens if not hundreds
of Muslim and Arab Americans killed in these despicable
terrorist attacks. Many are still missing and we pray that they
will be found safe
- The US Consul in Jerusalem reported that he has received a huge stack
of faxes from Palestinians and Palestinian organizations
expressing condolences, grief and solidarity. He himself was
pained to see that the media chose to focus on the sensational images
of a few Palestinians rejoicing.
- The Christian Peacemaker Team (Americans, Palestinians and others
working in Hebron and other areas working non-violently to stop
the Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians) held prayer vigils
for the community.
- The Palestine Legislative Council condemned the terrorist attack on
the United States and sent an urgent letter of condolences to
Mr. J Dennis Hasterd, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Dozens of Palestinian men, women and children gathered spontaneously
upon hearing the news in front of the U.S. Consulate in East
Jerusalem, lighting candles and placing flowers along its walls. Some
of the placards they carried read: "Terror is our common
enemy" and "We are victims too."
- Palestinians in Occupied East Jerusalem held a candle vigil on 12
September to express their grief and solidarity with the
American families struck by this tragedy. Mr. Abdel Qader Al-Husseini,
son of the late Palestinian leader Faisal Al-Husseini led
the candle vigil.
- Palestinian Americans living in Palestine issued a statement in which
they reported that all messages they received from other
Palestinians were of sorrow and concern.
- The Jerusalem University students, along with the President of the
University and the Deans of the various Faculties, began a
blood donation drive in Occupied East Jerusalem. Students and professors
went to hospitals in the Occupied City, in order to donate
blood for the American victims who need it.
- The 1 million Palestinian students in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
including Occupied East Jerusalem, stood five minutes
in silence to express their solidarity with the hundreds of American
children who have been struck by this strategy, which
resembles in its shocking effects their daily sufferings.
- Throughout the US, Arab and Muslim Americans joined other American
in vigils and prayers even when some of those members were
attacked and/or frightened by irresponsible rhetoric and threats
- President Bush speaking to Gov. Pattaki and Mayor Guiliani stated
"...And as we do so, I urge -- I know I don't need to tell you
all this -- but our nation must be mindful that there are thousands
of Arab-Americans who live in New York City, who love their
flag just as much as the three of us do, and we must be mindful that
as we seek to win the war that we treat Arab-Americans and
Muslims with the respect they deserve. I know that is your attitude
as well -- certainly the attitude of this government: that we
should not hold one who is a Muslim responsible for an act of terror."
- Georgia Senator Zell Miller's stated "I say bomb the hell out of them.
If there's collateral damage, so be it. They certainly
found our civilians to be expendable." [NY Times 9/13/01].
- "Asked tonight what the attack meant for relations between the United
States and Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, the former prime
minister, replied: 'It's very good.' Then he edited himself: 'Well,
not very good, but it will generate immediate sympathy.' New
York Times, 12 September 2001, p. A22: http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/12/international/12ISRA.html
- Israeli forces took advantage of the post tragedy confusion
and stormed the Palestinian cities of Jenin and later Jericho
killing scores of people, injuring over 120, and demolishing many homes
and other buildings (Associated Press, AFP).
For other information on this issue, see http://electronicIntifada.net/coveragetrends/rejoicing.html
Mazin Qumsiyeh, PhD
Media Committee
Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition
P.O. Box 1172
Orange, CT 06477
e-mail: prrc@mail.com
Web press room: http://al-awda.org/pressroom.htm