Will the Islamophobia never end? “Little Red Riding Hood and The Martyr’s Wedding in PA kindergarten,” by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik for Palestinian Media Watch, August 15:
A Palestinian kindergarten ceremony included a play performed by children named The Martyr’s Wedding alongside a play from the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Palestinian Media Watch has documented the frequent use by Palestinians of the term “wedding” to refer to the death and funeral of “Martyrs,” in keeping with the Islamic tradition that the Martyr for Allah marries 72 Dark-Eyed Virgins of Paradise:
“‘The Birds of Paradise’ kindergarten held a nice graduation party… The ceremony included beautiful performances… one of the most outstanding was a play from the story of Little Red Riding Hood, and another performance named ‘The Martyr’s Wedding’, delighted the audience by the role-play of the children, whose acting depicted the reality of roadblocks, children, occupation soldiers, and the children’s death as Martyrs. This charm caused the audience to cry, as the children’s performance was accompanied by the playing of nationalistic songs.”
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, June 2, 2011]Promoting the Islamic value of Shahada – Martyrdom for Allah – for children was very common during the PA terror campaign (the Intifada). From 2000 – 2005, PA TV broadcast numerous video clips describing Martyrdom death as sweet, and encouraging children to aspire to die as Martyrs. The Palestinian Authority received significant international criticism for this and most of the Shahada promotion for children was removed from TV. Occasionally, PA TV still broadcasts children singing songs about the importance of Martyrdom even for children.
Recently, PA TV broadcast a girl dedicating a song to her terrorist uncle about aspiring to Shahada:
“When we become Martyrs,
we’ll go to Paradise.
Don’t say we’re young.
This way of life has made us adults.
…
Without Palestine,
what meaning is there to childhood?
Children, you performed the (religious) duty and Sunna (Islamic tradition):
There is no God but Allah,
and the Shahid (Martyr) is Allah’s beloved.
You have taught us the meaning of heroism.
…
Even if they were to give us this world and all of its treasures,
no, it would not make us forget [Palestine]. Not at all.
It is my country and [I give] my blood for its sake.”
[PA TV (Fatah), April 13, 2011]