Israel Matzav

'Official' 'Palestinian Authority' mufti issues fatwa against emigration from the 'Blessed Lands'

Five weeks ago, I reported that a mufti who was affiliated with Hamas had issued a fatwa against emigration by 'Palestinians' from the 'Palestinian Authority.' Today, the Jerusalem Post reports that the 'official' mufti of the 'Palestinian Authority' has issued a fatwa against emigration by 'Palestinians' from the 'Blessed Lands.'

Entitled "No Permission to Emigrate from Palestine," the fatwa reads: "There has been much talk in Palestine about emigration, especially among the young people, due to the difficult security and economic situation. This is being done in search of a better life abroad. Many are continuing to rush to the gates of the embassies and consulates of the Western nations with requests for visas in order to reside permanently in those countries.

"We hereby declare that emigration from the blessed lands is not permitted according to religious law. The people living in these areas must remain in their homes and must not leave them to conquerors. Those who abide by this ruling will perform an honorable deed and will support the Aksa Mosque."

However, the fatwa permits Muslims to travel abroad temporarily for study and work "as long as they are committed to returning and living in the blessed lands."

Some 10,000 'Palestinians' - mostly university graduates who cannot find work in the 'Palestinian Authority' administered territories - have applied for permission to reside permanently abroad since the beginning of this year. Most of the applications have been to the US, the EU and Canada. Some 45,000 applications by 'Palestinians' to emigrate are pending over all.

But what's more interesting are some survey results:

A recent public opinion poll conducted in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip showed that that 82.7 percent of the Palestinians are pessimistic regarding their conditions.

The survey, conducted by the Center for Opinion Polls and Survey Studies at An-Najah University in Nablus, also reported that 92% of respondents feel insecure because of the growing lawlessness in the PA-run areas.

Given that the survey includes the 'West Bank,' its results cannot be entirely attributed to the civil war in Gaza.

The problem is that the current Israeli government is likely to step in to prevent the 'Palestinians' from emigrating.

Previously at Israel Matzav:

Fatwa against fleeing

'Palestinian' emigration and birth rate defy demographic doomsayers

'Palestinians' leaving Gaza for Eurabia, Cuba

The voluntary transfer of 'Palestinians' abroad can work

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:56 AM