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Following are excerpts from a TV report on a children's performance at the Islamic Association in Gaza. The report aired on Al-Manar TV on May 29, 2001.
Reporter: Since 1993, a new generation of Palestinians has emerged. They have developed expertise in stone-throwing, and have become soldiers in the current Al-Aqsa Intifada. The Palestinian children, who have become the spearhead of the confrontations in the Palestinian lands, know where the strength of this nation lies.
They have assumed the roles of the leaders in this performance, which took place in Gaza. They imitated Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, in his words and his gestures, and, in order to intensify the visual experience, they included his blonde bodyguard, who always stands next to him, complete with his glasses.
It began with a depiction of the Palestinian agony, through Nasrallah's promise to liberate the prisoners from the enemy's prison.
Boy playing Nasrallah: Oh prisoners and detainees, rest assured that liberty, like victory, is on its way to you, through the barrels of the rifles of the mujahideen, your sons and loved ones, the knights of the triumphant Islamic resistance.
Reporter: These words drew great applause from the audience of children, who seemed to relate to what they had heard and memorized before. While the Hizbullah flag was displayed on stage, the boy continued to recite the resounding words of Nasrallah, which were translated into action at the Shaba' Farms, days before they were uttered: "We are with you, and no more needs to be said" - without forgetting the hand gesture, of course.
Boy playing Nasrallah: We, Hizbullah, stand by your side in this war. Any loyal man of honor is with you in this war. We will not sell you out, we will not forsake you, and in times of adversity you can count on us - and no more needs to be said.
Reporter: Soon, this innocent gathering included martyrdom seekers, who wrapped their bodies in dynamite sticks, as a declaration of the punishment in store for the Zionists in generations to come. Sheik Ahmad Yassin, founder of the Hamas movement, began his address, his companions by his side:
Boy playing Ahmad Yassin: The path ahead of our people is a long one, but steadfastness and perseverance will bring victory, Allah willing. I bring you good tidings: This century is the century of Islam. We need to increase our unity.
Reporter: The end was like a military display or maneuver, in which the children of the Intifada arrested a Zionist soldier. It was followed by a parade and enthusiastic songs.
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