The sign in Jenin
Photo: AP
Jenin: Zubeidi dedicates 'Saddam Hussein Square'
Jenin refugee camp dedicates square to Saddam Hussein. Zacharias Zubeidi, one of the initiators says: 'Saddam is not dead. We will honor his memory until occupation is driven out'
Residents of the Jenin refugee camp in the Palestinian Authority have decided to name the camp's central square after executed Iraqi tyrant Saddam Hussein. The square was made famous during the IDF's 'Defensive Shield' operation of April 2002.
Iraqi Execution
Associated Press
Former Iraqi dictator mourned in West Bank, Gaza: Seen as steadfast ally, mourned as martyr
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander in the city, Zacharias Zubeidi, said this step was taken in order to show the Palestinians' appreciation of "the nation's leader and its struggle, and to memorialize his name, may it stay with us, against the will of the enemies and those who took part in plots against the Arab and Islamic nation."
Residents of the camp have hung a huge picture of Saddam Hussein in the square, and decorated it with Iraqi and Palestinian flags.
Saddam Hussein Square in Jenin (Photo: AP)
Zubeidi said that despite the difficult financial situation, the residents have begun collecting donations for the construction of a special monument in memory of Saddam, who was very supportive of the camp's residents, especially during the Defense Shield operation.
"We want to tell the killers who executed the martyr Saddam Hussein that Saddam is not dead, and we will continue to honor his memory as a symbol of resistance until the American and Israel occupation is driven out."
In the past few days the youth of the camp have been working on the completion of the giant picutre and setting up the area where the monument would be constructed and the picture hung.
One of the camp's residents said: "The execution has turned Saddam Hussein into the only Arab leader who lived an honorable life and died honorably. We love him and respect him, not just for what he gave us after the Jenin massacre, but for his support of our people and the Palestinian issue."
During his reign, Saddam Hussein would give large amounts of money to Palestinian families whose sons were killed by Israel Defense Force fire.
The aid, which would sometimes reach USD 30,000, was granted through a Palestinian organization which is affiliated with the Iraqi Baath party, and was led by Saddam Hussein.
After Saddam's execution, mourning tents were set up throughout the streets of the Palestinian Authority, and symbolic funeral services were held for the Iraqi leader.
