Feb. 14, 2012
PA TV song
longs for a world without Israel:
"We will return to Jerusalem, to Gaza, to Acre, to Haifa...
I wish I could enter my country with no borders"

Twice in the last two weeks, Palestinian Authority TV broadcast a song which expressed longing for a world without Israel. The lyrics of the song express a desire for the Israeli cities of Haifa, Jaffa, Acre, Ramle and Nazareth to be part of "my country," which is Palestine, where all cities would be accessible "with no borders":

"Even if our path has grown long, one day we will return:
To Jerusalem, to Gaza, to Acre, to Haifa, oh Lord.
To Jerusalem, to Ramle, to Acre, to Haifa, oh Lord...
I wish I could enter my country with no borders."

Portraying a world without Israel is a recurring PA theme documented by Palestinian Media Watch. The PA frequently reinforces this message through cultural events broadcast on PA TV, including song performances. For examples, click here and here.

The following is the transcript of the song. Note that Nazareth, the Galilee, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Acre, and Haifa are Israeli cities and places:

"I wish I could enter my country with no borders...
I will go about in Bethlehem and in Al-Aqsa [Mosque], which is held captive
I will eat lunch in Nazareth and eat dinner in Beit Sahour...
I do not forget Jenin nor Nablus, and the Galilee
I do not forget you, Jaffa, your long sea [shore]
I will never forget the olives of the Galilee
Even if our path has grown long, one day we will return:
To Jerusalem, to Gaza, to Acre, to Haifa, oh Lord.
To Jerusalem, to Ramle, to Acre, to Haifa, oh Lord...
I wish I could enter my country with no borders."
[PA TV (Fatah), Jan. 30 and Feb. 9, 2012]