A recent interview with a child musician on Palestinian Authority Television features a performance by the child that illustrates the hateful and distorted values that Palestinian children have learned and internalized.

The child, who appears to be about 13, is interviewed about a CD he has produced, and sings one of the songs from the CD. The short song repeats hate motifs that have appeared repeatedly in formal and informal education in Palestinian society for many years, such as the liberation of Palestine, which is the Palestinian Authority term for Israel's destruction, the "return" of the "refugees" to the liberated land, and finally the aspiration to die as a shahid (martyr).

It is also noteworthy that the adults in the studio clap and cheer "Bravo!" after the song, which concludes with the words: "Allah Akbar, we will die as martyrs!" Aspiring to die for Allah continues to be presented as a high value to children in Palestinian society.

A Palestinian child, Mahmoud Marish, singing a song from his CD, PA TV February 28, 2006

"I am your mother, I am Palestine
I have been calling you for years
This is our day, this is our holiday
Your liberation day, O our country
The return of the refugees to their homes safe and sound
Allah Akbar, (God is Great) how sweet is the self-sacrifice!
Allah Akbar, (God is Great) we will die as shahids (martyrs)!
Allah Akbar, (God is Great) how sweet is the self-sacrifice!
Allah Akbar, (God is Great) we will die as shahids (martyrs)!"

Moderators: "Bravo! Applause!"
[PA TV, February 28, 2006]

To view the clip, click here