Israeli terrorism case resonates strongly in Northern Ireland

In 2001, Malki was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist who deliberately bombed a pizza restaurant in Jerusalem packed with young Israelis.

Fifteen civilians were killed in the massacre, including seven children and a pregnant woman, and 130 wounded. One of the victims remains in a coma to this day.

The woman who scouted the bomber through Jerusalem and helped select the packed cafe as a target, was released from prison as a result of a political deal between the Israeli government and Hamas.

Today she lives freely in Jordan and is celebrated for her actions. She even hosts her own radio programme.

I was deeply moved by Arnold’s story of how he has campaigned that the Jordanian authorities extradite this woman to face justice in the USA on account that the murder victims included two American citizens.

Despite being heavily dependent on American aid, the authorities in Jordan continue to shield the woman from justice.

The entire case resonates so strongly in Northern Ireland and having heard Arnold speak, I feel the least I can do is to draw attention to his cause.

I hope readers — many of whom will have their own experiences only too similar to Arnold’s — will find out more about the case and consider signing an on-line petition which can be found on change.org and is entitled ‘Demand Jordan extradites celebrity terrorist Ahlam Tamimi, the Sbarro massacre bomber, now’.

Nigel Newell, Saintfield

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