The head of the Israel Islamic Association Northern Branch, Raed Salah returned to Israel on Monday, 24 Nissan 5772. Salah, who has in the past been imprisoned in Israel for his pro-Hamas activities, was arrested upon his illegal entry into the UK ten months ago. He was released a number of weeks later but he fought the attempt to have him ousted from the country.

Hundreds of supporters were at the airport to welcome him back including several Arab members of Knesset. Upon his arrival, Salah was questioned and released by police.

He did not waste time, telling supporters at the airport “The Zionists have failed. I traveled to Britain and carried al-Aqsa on my shoulders as well as the dream of the Palestinian people of statehood”.

He added that Israel (“The Zionists”) sought to have him deported from the UK but he resisted the move. He also stressed that he did not flee the UK, but left a free man after successfully fighting an attempt by British Home Secretary Theresa May to have him declared a public threat and deported.

Salah is being hailed a hero by Arab MKs and supporters for beating both Israel and the UK in court. Not only did a UK appeals court support his petition, he was awarded damages for his pain and suffering.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)