Raed Salah: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia
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Sheikh '''Raed Salah Abu Shakra''' ({{lang-ar|رائد صلاح}}, {{lang-he|ראאד סלאח}}; born 1958) is a [[Palestinian-Israeli]] religious leader from [[Umm al-Fahm]], [[Israel]]. He is the leader of the Northern Branch of the [[Islamic Movement in Israel]]. HeSalah becamewas theelected mayor of his town Umm al-FahmFalm, inan 1989Israeli-Arab butcity steppedbordering downthe in[[Green Line (Israel)|Green Line]], three times. As a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship, he 2001came to focusprominence onfor his religiousdefense activities.<ref>{{citeof web|url=http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/resources/fact-sheets/1082-shaikh-raed-salah-profilethe |title=Creatingholy Newsites Perspectivesand |publisher=Middlehis Eastparticipation Monitoron |date=the [[MV Mavi Marmara|access-date=26Mavi SeptemberMarmara]], 2015}}</ref>the HeTurkish hasboat eightthat children,was and[[Gaza isflotilla araid|stormed formerby Israeli navy]] as it attempted to break the [[poetBlockade of the Gaza Strip|siege of Gaza]] in May 2010.<ref name="Prusher"/>
Salah is a popular figure in the Muslim world and among Palestinians for his staunch defense of [[Temple Mount|al-Aqsa]] against what they see as Israeli attempts to take it over.<ref name="memo2014jan25">{{cite web | title=Sheikh Raed Salah and the rise of the Islamic Movement in Israel | website=Middle East Monitor | date=25 January 2014 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20140125-sheikh-raed-salah-and-the-rise-of-the-islamic-movement-in-israel/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref> He has held sermons praising the "defenders of al-Aqsa" and his Northern Branch has organized free bus trips from Palestinian localities in Israel to Jerusalem in order to strengthen the bond between [[Islam in Israel|Muslims]] and the holy sites.<!-- "The northern branch’sbranch's most high-profile activity relates to Salah’sSalah's call to protect Jerusalem’sJerusalem's Islamic sites – notably the Al-Aqsa Mosque – from what he describes as 'intensified Jewish efforts to challenge Muslim ownership of the sites'. Through its 'Al-Aqsa is in Danger' campaign, the northern branch has organised free trips to the mosque for tens of thousands of Arab Muslims in Israel. (page 19 in source; footnotes removed) --><ref name="basics"/>
Israel has accused Salah of inciting to violence and of supporting terrorism. It has arrested Salah numerous times and he has spent many years in Israeli prisons, but these arrests have increased his popularity.<ref name="Prusher"/>
In 2021, Raed Salah was awarded Al-Murabit Prize by [[International Union of Muslim Scholars]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 January 2021|title=منح الشيخ الأسير رائد صلاح جائزة المرابط السنوية لعام 2020 من "علماء“علماء المسلمين" {{!}}المسلمين” |author=سليمان حاج إبراهيم |url=https://www.alquds.co.uk/منح-الشيخ-الأسير-رائد-صلاح-جائزة-المرا/|access-date=4 February 2021|websitescript-work=ar:القدس العربي |work=Al-Quds Al-Arabi |date=31 January 2021|language=enar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 February 2021|title=Raed Salah awarded prestigious 2020 Al-Murabit Prize|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210201-raed-salah-awarded-prestigious-2020-al-murabit-prize/|access-date=4 February 2021|website=Middle East Monitor|language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Biography ==
Salah was born in 1958 in [[Umm al-Fahm]]. His father was a police officer and his two brothers followed in his fathers footsteps. From 1977 to 1980, he studied Islamic law at [[Hebron University]] and soon he co-founded the [[Islamic Movement in Israel]], reportedly an offshoot of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]].<ref name="Lieber2017">{{cite web | last=Lieber | first=Dov | title=The rise of Raed Salah, Israel's Islamist leader who wants Jerusalem at the heart of a caliphate | website=The Times of Israel | date=16 August 2017 | url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/the-rise-of-raed-salah-israels-islamist-leader-who-wants-jerusalem-at-the-heart-of-a-caliphate/ | access-date=23 August 2020}}</ref>
He has eight children, and is gained respect as a [[poet]].<ref name="Prusher"/>
In 1989, the Movement decided to participate in elections for Palestinian localities in Israel. It won control of six city councils. Salah became mayor of his hometown Umm al-Fahm, winning 70% of the vote,<ref name="bbc2011">{{cite web | title=Sheikh Raed Salah: Profile of pro-Palestinian activist | work=BBC News | date=30 September 2011 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-15123174 | access-date=13 December 2013}}</ref> a significant victory for the Movement. Salah won again in 1993 and 1997 before standing down in 2001 to focus on other issues. In particular, on the defense of al-Aqsa, which he felt was threatened by Israel.<ref name="Lieber2017"/><ref name="Plonski2017">{{cite book|author=Sharri Plonski|title=Palestinian Citizens of Israel: Power, Resistance and the Struggle for Space|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZROJDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA40|date=13 December 2017|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-78673-122-7|pages=40–}}</ref>▼
▲In 1989, the Movement decided to participate in elections for Palestinian localities in Israel. It won control of six city councils. Salah became mayor of his hometown Umm al-Fahm, winning 70% of the vote,<ref name="bbc2011">{{cite web | title=Sheikh Raed Salah: Profile of pro-Palestinian activist | work=BBC News | date=30 September 2011 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-15123174 | access-date=1327 DecemberAugust 20132024}}</ref> a significant victory for the Movement. Salah won again in 1993 and 1997 before standing down in 2001 to focus on other issues. In particular, on the defense of al-Aqsa, which he felt was threatened by Israel.<ref name="Lieber2017"/><ref name="Plonski2017">{{cite book|authorfirst=Sharri |last=Plonski|title=Palestinian Citizens of Israel: Power, Resistance and the Struggle for Space|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZROJDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA40|date=13 December 2017|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-78673-122-7|pages=40–}}</ref>
The Movement split in 1996 into a Northern and Southern branch as the Southern branch intended to field candidates to run for the Knesset, Israel's national parliament. The Northern branch, led by Salah, believed that would be tantamount to recognizing the legitimacy of the State of Israel.<ref name="Plonski2017"/>
Since stepping down as mayor of Umm al-Fahm, Salah has become a popular preacher among [[Arab citizens of Israel|Palestinians in Israel]]. He has been arrested numerous times; on suspicion of fundraising for Hamas and for his popular sermons that Israeli authorities claim often involve incitement of violence. The multiple arrests has only boosted his popularity among Palestinians. Professor [[Elie Rekhess]], director of the Adenauer Program for Jewish-Arab Studies at Tel Aviv University in 2006 stated:<ref name="Prusher">{{cite web|title=Israeli Arab's Rising Voice of Opposition|authorfirst=Ilene R. |last=Prusher|work=The Christian Science Monitor|date=26 October 2006|accessdate=627 MayAugust 20072024|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1026/p06s01-wome.htm}}</ref>
{{blockquote|text=If there were a poll run today to establish who is the most popular leader in Israel, he would be up there. His outer appearance might be misleading, because he's very quiet and low-keyed, but he's very powerful. He certainly sees political Islam as a major factor in the formulation in the coming years in Israel, and he sees his party as having a strong say.}}
Roee Nahmias, writing for the Israeli news site ''[[Ynet]]'' wrote in 2007:<ref name="Nahmias 2007">{{cite news | last=Nahmias | first=Roee | title=Sheikh Salah: Western Wall belongs to Muslims | website=ynetnews | date=18 February 2007 | url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3366266,00.html | access-date=23 August 2020}}</ref>
{{blockquote|text=Since his release from prison two years ago Sheikh Salah has been steadily building a name for himself as a leader for all Muslims, this despite the fact that he lives in Israel. By focusing on social issues he has won over people from the bottom up, though his followers say his humbleness, manners and simple attire also helped establish his persona as a leader.}}
In an interview in 2011, Amal Jamal, professor of politics, Tel Aviv University described Salah as offering a "warm, spiritual, inclusive" version of Islam even secularists can symphathizesympathize with. Jamal praised Salah for being "a charismatic leader who has proved he is willing to pay a price for his beliefs. His position contrasts strongly with that of Knesset members who enjoy parliamentary immunity. Other politicians don’tdon't dare attack him because of his personal integrity and because they fear the backlash from the religious community."<ref name="basics"/>
Under Salah's leadership, the Northern Branch has strengthened Muslim ties to al-Aqsa. It has organized free bus trips, allowing tens of thousands of Muslims in Israel to pray at the mosque.<ref name="basics"/> In 2012, the Northern Branch founded the [[Murabitat]] and the Mourabitoun, organizations that organized activities for Muslims at al-Aqsa. The organizations gained notoriety for their hostile protests against Jews who visited al-Aqsa.<ref name=CohenMourabitat>{{cite news|last1=Cohen|first1=Gili|title=Israel Bans Two Muslim Activist Groups From Temple Mount|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.675329|accessdate=1027 SeptemberAugust 20152024|work=Haaretz|date=9 September 2015}}</ref> In 2015, Israel banned the [[Murabitat]] and the Mourabitoun and a few months later the Northern Branch itself, claiming it incited violence.{{fact|date=March 2024}}
== Views ==
===Arabs voting in Knesset elections===
Salah discourages Palestinian- Israelis from participating and voting in Israeli national elections. He believes that Arab representation in the [[Knesset|Israeli parliament,]] lends it undeserved credibility:<ref name = "basics">{{cite web |title= Back to Basics: Israel's Arab Minority and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict |url= https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/141101/119-back-to-basics-israels-arab-minority-and-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict.pdf |titledate=Back14 toMarch Basics:2012 Israel's|access-date=27 ArabAugust Minority2024 and|publisher=International theCrisis Israeli-Palestinian ConflictGroup}}</ref>
{{blockquote|text=Arab representation in the Knesset does not bring any qualitative changes. At best, the Knesset is a stage to voice Arab-Palestinian protest, nothing more. Yet there is a price for that, since it provides the Israeli establishment with a cover, as the Knesset appears to be a democratic institution, which is not the case. It remains one of the foundations of the [[Zionist]] enterprise.}}
He however downplays the schism between the Northern and Southern Branches of the Islamic movement, who does field candidates in national elections. He believes that it is merely a question of tactics: "the two branches are based on the same ideology and agree about all fundamentals. They disagree merely on tactics."<ref name = "basics"/>
=== Israeli occupation ===
Saleh also rejects the notion that there would be a difference between Palestinians living in Israel and those living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank: "As we see it, the [[Green Line (Israel)|Green Line]] means nothing, and there is no difference between Umm al-Fahm and [[Jenin]] (situated a few kilometres to the southwest, on the other side of the Green Line). We all live under occupation, and our struggle is essentially the same."<ref name = "basics"/> In 2011, while addressing an audience of students from [[Tel Aviv University]], he reiterated his anti-occupation position stating: "We must keep fighting until we remove the Israeli occupation and free the holy Jerusalem."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4073212,00.html |title=Raed Salah speaks at TA University - Israel News, Ynetnews |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=2024 JuneMay 19952011|access-date=2627 JuneAugust 20152024|last1=Yahav |first1=Telem }}</ref>▼
▲Saleh also rejects the notion that there would be a difference between Palestinians living in Israel and those living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank: "As we see it, the [[Green Line (Israel)|Green Line]] means nothing, and there is no difference between Umm al-Fahm and [[Jenin]] (situated a few kilometres to the southwest, on the other side of the Green Line). We all live under occupation, and our struggle is essentially the same."<ref name = "basics"/> In 2011, while addressing an audience of students from [[Tel Aviv University]], he reiterated his anti-occupation position stating: "We must keep fighting until we remove the Israeli occupation and free the holy Jerusalem."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4073212,00.html |title=Raed Salah speaks at TA University - Israel News, Ynetnews |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=20 June 1995|access-date=26 June 2015|last1=Yahav |first1=Telem }}</ref>
=== Arabic language ===
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Salah believes that the Arabic language is threatened in Israel by Hebrew, which is the country's main language. He believes that preserving the Arabic language is important to preserving Palestinian identity: "If we want to preserve our identity, we have to preserve the Arabic language, and if we want to preserve Arabic, we have to love it." He likens the usage of Hebrew terms in the language as an invasion: "When we allow our tongues to be invaded daily by the use of Hebrew terms, it means that our land, homes, holy places, identity and thinking in Palestine are invaded and all components of our lives as individuals and collectives are attacked."<ref name="Amara2017">{{cite book|last=Amara|first=Muhammad|title=Arabic in Israel: Language, Identity and Conflict|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MnE3DwAAQBAJ|date=27 September 2017|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-351-66388-5|pages=170–171}}</ref>
=== Accusations of anti-Semitism and response ===
====Blood libel accusation====
Salah has on several occasions been accused of anti-Semitism. His detractors claimed that he referenced the [[blood libel]] [[antisemitic canard]] during a sermonprotest in East Jerusalem in 2007, a claim he strongly denied. InA 2011,statement Salahfrom publishedhis anoffice articlecalled inthe Sawtaccusation al-Haq"an w'al-Huriyyaabsolute inlie whichand hea rhetorically askedmalicious fabrication."Were 4,000It Jewishcontinued: clerks"Mr absent by chance, orSalah was therearrested anotherand reason?"questioned alludingover tothese theallegations [[9/11in conspiracyIsrael theories|conspiracyand theory]]released thatwhen thethey Israeliwere secretrevealed serviceas [[Mossad]]being waswholly behindfabricated thewith [[Septemberno 11evidence." attacks]]Sheikh andSalah hadwas warnedacquitted Jewsof notcharges toin turnconnection upwith torioting workthat on the day offollowed the attackspeech.<ref name="bbc2011jun30">{{cite web | last=Winter Ware| first=Joseph John| title= Questions over Sheikh Salah's ban | website= BBC News | date= 30 June 2011 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-13969105 | access-date=24 27 August 20202024}}</ref>▼
====9/11 conspiracy theory====
▲Salah has on several occasions been accused of anti-Semitism. His detractors claimed that he referenced the [[blood libel]] [[antisemitic canard]] during a sermon in 2007, a claim he denied. In 2011, Salah published an article in Sawt al-Haq w'al-Huriyya in which he rhetorically asked "Were 4,000 Jewish clerks absent by chance, or was there another reason?" alluding to the [[9/11 conspiracy theories|conspiracy theory]] that the Israeli secret service [[Mossad]] was behind the [[September 11 attacks]] and had warned Jews not to turn up to work on the day of the attack.<ref name="bbc2011jun30">{{cite web | last=Winter | first=Joseph | title=Questions over Sheikh Salah's ban | website=BBC News | date=30 June 2011 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-13969105 | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
In 2011, Salah published an article in Sawt al-Haq w'al-Huriyya in which he rhetorically asked "Were 4,000 Jewish clerks absent by chance, or was there another reason?" alluding to the [[9/11 conspiracy theories|conspiracy theory]] that the Israeli secret service [[Mossad]] was behind the [[September 11 attacks]] and had warned Jews not to turn up to work on the day of the attack.<ref name="bbc2011jun30"/>
====Response to accusations of racism====
In 2011, in a statement in response to such allegations, Saleh stated: "I unequivocally condemn all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and racism towards my own people, the Palestinians."<ref name="memo2014feb20">{{cite web | title=A response to accusations made against Shaikh Raed Salah, Head of the Islamic Movement | website=Middle East Monitor | date=20 February 2014 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20140220-a-response-to-accusations-made-against-shaikh-raed-salah-head-of-the-islamic-movement/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref> Saleh believes that Zionists want to equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. In an interview in 2020 he said: "We are in a new phase in which it is prohibited to criticise Zionism, in the sense that they want to make anti-Zionism synonymous with antisemitism. All those who criticize Zionism now will be subject to the measures that were taken against those accused of antisemitism."<ref name="mee2020aug17">{{cite web | title=Sheikh Raed Salah: 'I head to prison standing by my values' | website=Middle East Eye | date=17 August 2020 | url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestinian-sheikh-raed-salah-prison-israel-jerusalem-al-aqsa-interview | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>▼
In 2011, in a statement in response to such allegations, Saleh stated: "I unequivocally condemn all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and racism towards my own people, the Palestinians."<ref name="memo2014feb20">{{cite web | title=A response to accusations made against Shaikh Raed Salah, Head of the Islamic Movement | website=Middle East Monitor | date=20 February 2014 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20140220-a-response-to-accusations-made-against-shaikh-raed-salah-head-of-the-islamic-movement/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
▲In 2011, in a statement in response to such allegations, Saleh stated: "I unequivocally condemn all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and racism towards my own people, the Palestinians."<ref name="memo2014feb20">{{cite web | title=A response to accusations made against Shaikh Raed Salah, Head of the Islamic Movement | website=Middle East Monitor | date=20 February 2014 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20140220-a-response-to-accusations-made-against-shaikh-raed-salah-head-of-the-islamic-movement/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref> Saleh believes that Zionists want to equate [[anti-Zionism]] with [[anti-Semitism]]. In an interview in 2020 he said: "We are in a new phase in which it is prohibited to criticise Zionism, in the sense that they want to make anti-Zionism synonymous with antisemitism. All those who criticize Zionism now will be subject to the measures that were taken against those accused of antisemitism."<ref name="mee2020aug17">{{cite web | title=Sheikh Raed Salah: 'I head to prison standing by my values' | website=Middle East Eye | date=17 August 2020 | url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestinian-sheikh-raed-salah-prison-israel-jerusalem-al-aqsa-interview | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
== Arrests and imprisonments ==
=== 2003 conviction for alleged Hamas fundraising ===
In 2003, Salah and 14 other officials of the Northern Branch were arrested on charges of transferring money to Hamas. After eighteen months of imprisonment Salah entered a plea bargain.<ref name="basics"/> He admitted to charges of maintaining contact with a foreign agent and rendering service on behalf of illegal organizations. In exchange he only had to spend six more months in prison but would be banned from leaving Israel.<ref name="Prusher"/> Salah had previously described the charges against him as "fabricated." His lawyer, commenting on the plea bargain that Salah had agreed to said "Salah understood that Israel is not the place to seek justice for non-Jews."<ref name="aljaz2005jan20">{{cite web | title='Terror charges' dropped in Israeli trial | website=Al Jazeera | date=2012 January 2005 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2005/01/2008410151658354247.html | access-date=2427 August 20202024|first= Khalid |last=Amayreh}}</ref>
=== 2007 alleged spitting incident ===
In 2010, Salah was arrested for having spat in the face of an Israeli policeman while shouting at him "You are racist murderers. You have no dignity" during a protest in 2007 in the [[Old City (Jerusalem)|Old City of Jerusalem]]. He denied those charges. The court initially sentenced him to nine months in prison but reduced the sentence to five months.<ref name="bbc2010jul25">{{cite web | title=Israeli- Arab activistRaed isSalah jailed over spitting incident | website=BBC News | date=25 July 2010 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-10755531 | access-date=2427 August 20202024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sheikh Salah released from jail|authorfirst=Hassan |last=Shaalan|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=12 December 2010|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3997799,00.html|accessdate=1227 DecemberAugust 20102024}}</ref>
In a related case, the court acquitted Salah of charges of rioting and "involvement in an illegal gathering" in connection with the protest. A judge ruled that the charges, brought by police, were "inconsistent with witness testimony and video evidence produced by the defence".<ref name="aljaz2010may20">{{cite web | title=Israeli court acquits Raed Salah | website=Al Jazeera | date=2011 May 2010 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2010/05/2010511142927992400.html | access-date=2427 August 20202024}}</ref>
When Salah was released from prison in December 2010, every Palestinian leader in Israel visited and paid their respects to him. Over 30,000 of his supporters gathered to express their commitment to protecting al-Aqsa.<ref name="HallwardNorman2011">{{cite book|author1=M. Hallward|author2=Julie M. Norman|title=Nonviolent Resistance in the Second Intifada: Activism and Advocacy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=la5hAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT105|date=26 September 2011|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US|isbn=978-0-230-33777-0|pages=105–}}</ref>
=== 2007 East Jerusalem sermonblood libel sermon===
In 2007, Salah held a sermon in a mosque in [[East Jerusalem]] following archaeological digs closenear tothe [[Mughrabi Gate]], which leads up the [[Temple Mount]] and the al-Aqsa compound.<ref name = "ynet2016apr18">{{cite news |title= Raed Salah's sentence reduced to 9 months |first= Talem |last=Yahav |website=[[YNet News]] |date= 18 April 2016 |url= https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4793357,00.html |titleaccess-date=Raed Salah's27 sentenceAugust reduced to 9 months2024}}</ref> During the sermon he said:
<blockquote>We [Muslims] have never allowed ourselves to knead [the dough for] the bread that [[Iftar|breaks the fast]] in the holy month of [[Ramadan]] with children's blood. Whoever wants a more thorough explanation, let him ask [[blood libel|what used to happen to some children in Europe]], whose blood was mixed in with the dough of the [Jewish] [[matzah|holy bread]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/1.4985116 |title= Islamic Movement Head Charged With Incitement to Racism, Violence |first= Yoav |last= Stern |date= 29 January 2008 |work= Haaretz |url= https://www.haaretz.com/1.4985116 |access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref></blockquote>
Israeli newspapers at the time wrote that Salah accused Jews of historically having used children's blood to bake bread, an anti-Semitic [[blood libel]]. The comments resurfaced in 2011, during Saleh's detainment in Britain. He claimed that his intent wasn't to repeat a blood libel and that his use of the term "holy bread" showed that he weren't referring to Jews since there is no holy bread in Judaism.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/judgments/ait-decision-mahajna/ |titlepublisher= United Kingdom Courts and Tribunals Judiciary | |title=Raed Salah Mahajna -v- The Secretary of State for the Home Department |publisherwebsite=Judiciary.gov.uk |date= |access-date=26 September 2015 |archive-date=27 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927232527/https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/judgments/ait-decision-mahajna/ |url-status=dead |date=February 2012}}</ref> The pro-Palestinian British press monitoring organization [[Middle East Monitor]] produced a report titled ''The Sheikh Raed Affair'', defending Salah.<ref name = "memo-salah">{{cite webbook |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/publication/the-sheikh-raed-salah-affair.pdf|title=The Sheikh Raed Affair |first=Zulaikha |last=Abdullah |publisher=Middle East Monitor |date=2011 |access-date=27 August 2024 |isbn=978-1-907433-10-8}}</ref> Other organizations disputed Salah's claims.
In 2013, Salah was tried for incitement to violence and racism for his 2007 sermon and convicted of incitement to violence but not to racism,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel/.premium-1.556869 |title=Israeli Islamic Movement Leader Convicted of Inciting to Violence - National |work=Haaretz |date=7 November 2013|accessdate=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024 |first=Jack |last=Khoury}}</ref> and sentenced to eight months in prison in March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Sheikh-Raed-Salah-gets-8-months-for-incitement-to-violence-344246 |title=Sheikh Raed Salah gets 8 months for incitement to violence - National News - |work=Jerusalem Post |publisher=Jpost.com |date= 4 March 2014|accessdate=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024}}</ref> Prosecutors appealed Salah's acquittal on the racism charge and the appeals court overturned the acquittal in November 2014, finding Salah guilty of incitement to racism for his "blood libel" comments.<ref name="Jeremy">{{cite web|last=Jeremy |first=Yonah |url=http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Islamic-Movement-leader-Salah-convicted-of-racist-incitement-on-appeal-381337 |title=Islamic Movement leader Salah convicted of racist incitement on appeal - Arab-Israeli Conflict - |work=Jerusalem Post |publisher=Jpost.com |date=16 February 2007|access-date=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024}}</ref> In March 2015, the court sentenced him to eleven months in prison.<ref name="toi2015mar27">{{cite web | title=Israeli Islamist leader jailed for incitement | website=The Times of Israel | date=27 March 2015 | url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-islamist-leader-jailed-for-incitement/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref> Salah appealed to the Supreme Court which in April 2016 reduced his sentence to nine months because the sermon happened a long time ago and Salah had not committed similar offenses since then.<ref name="Yahav 2016ynet2016apr18">{{cite news | last=Yahav | first=Talem | title=Raed Salah's sentence reduced to 9 months | website=ynetnews | date=19 April 2016 | url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4793357,00.html | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
Salah began serving his sentence in May 2016 and was placed in solitary confinement. An Israeli court in October rejected the [[Al Mezan Center for Human Rights]]'s appeal to end his isolation.<ref name = "almezan">{{cite web|url=https://samidoun.net/2016/10/sheikh-raed-salah-held-in-solitary-confinement-denied-books-and-magazines/|title=Sheikh Raed Salah held in solitary confinement, denied books and magazines|date=27 October 2016 |access-date=27 August 2024 |website=Samidoun}}</ref> Salah began a hunger strike in November protesting the conditions under which he was held.<ref name="toi2016nov14">{{cite web | last=Gur | first=Haviv Rettig | title=Imprisoned Islamist leader Raed Salah begins hunger strike | website=The Times of Israel | date=14 November 2016 | url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/imprisoned-islamist-leader-raed-salah-begins-hunger-strike/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="ei2016nov16">{{cite web | title=Palestinian political leader on hunger strike | website=The Electronic Intifada | date=16 November 2016 | url=https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/charlotte-silver/palestinian-political-leader-hunger-strike | access-date=2427 August 20202024 |first=Charlotte |last=Silver}}</ref>
=== 2009 speech ===
In September 2009, protests that led to violent [[2009 Temple Mount clashes|clashes]] between Israeli security forces and Muslim Palestinian protesters erupted over the status of the [[Temple Mount]]. On 2 October 2, 2009, while the clashes were ongoing, Salah gave a speech which was branded incitement by the Israeli police, claiming that he had egged the protestors on. He was arrested on October 6 October, but released a few hours later. However, he was banned from entering Jerusalem for 30 days as the court argued that his presence in Jerusalem "could be inciting".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3786528,00.html |title=Sheikh Raed Salah arrested for incitement - Israel News, Ynetnews |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=206 JuneOctober 19952009|access-date=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024|last1=Weiss |first1=Efrat }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3786593,00.html |title=Salah released; banned from J'lem for 30 days - Israel News, Ynetnews |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=206 JuneOctober 19952009|access-date=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024|last1=Weiss |first1=Efrat }}</ref>
=== 2010 Gaza flotilla arrest ===
{{Main|Gaza flotilla raid}}
Salah was on board the [[MV Mavi Marmara|''Mavi Marmara'']], the lead ship of the 2010 [[Gaza Freedom Flotilla]], which attempted to break Israel's blockade of the [[Gaza Strip]]. The ship was boarded in international waters by the [[Israeli Navy]]. This led to clashes with the activists during which Israeli commandos killed nine of them and injured dozens while seven commandos were injured. One Israeli police source claimed that Salah tried to provide cover for an activist who shot at a commando during the raid, but that the gunman had already been hit. Early Palestinian reports claimed that Salah had been critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head. Those reports were false and Salah had only suffered minor injuries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=288421 |title=Israel says Sheikh Salah in 'good health' |publisher=Maannews.netMa'an News Agency |date=31 May 2010 |access-date=26 September 2015 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129073212/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=288421 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Salah was taken to the Ela Prison in [[Beersheba]] to await a court hearing on their involvement with the flotilla.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3897244,00.html |title=Sheikh Raed Salah faces court hearing - Israel News, Ynetnews |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=201 June 19952010|access-date=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024|last1=Ben-Zur |first1=Raanan }}</ref> In June, Salah was released on [[Israeli new shekel|NIS]] 150,000 bail, but placed under house arrest and temporarily barred from leaving Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/islamic-movement-chief-involved-in-gaza-flotilla-released-to-house-arrest-barred-from-leaving-israel-1.293934 |title=Islamic Movement Chief Involved in Gaza Flotilla Released to House Arrest, Barred From Leaving Israel |work=Haaretz |date=3 June 2010|access-date=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024 |first=Jack |last=Khoury}}</ref> Hours after he was released, Salah gave a speech in Umm al-Fahm, claiming that [[Zionism]] "which began in Turkey, would end in Turkey".<ref>{{cite news|title=Salah: Zionism began in Turkey, will end there|date=6 April 2010|access-date=30 October 2010|work=The Jerusalem Post|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177294 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20100605112626/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177294 |archive-date=2010-06-05}}</ref>
=== 2011 Allenby border crossing search ===
In April 2011, Salah and his wife were returning home after pilgrimage to [[Mecca]]. At the [[Allenby border crossing]] between Jordan and the West Bank they were detained by Israeli police. When a female police officer wanted to strip-search his wife, Salah protested loudly. He yelled at the police and demanded that they treat his wife with respect. Other police officers restrained Salah but he broke free and tried to charge into the room where his wife was being searched.<ref name = "hz2014apr12">{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel/.premium-1.585226 |title=Islamic Movement Leader Salah Convicted of Obstructing Police |work=Haaretz |date=12 April 2014|access-date=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024 |first=Jack |last=Khoury}}</ref><ref name="imemc2011apr18">{{cite web | title=Israeli Police Arrests Sheikh Raed Salah – – IMEMC News | website=– IMEMC News – |publisher=International Middle East Media Center | date=18 April 2011 | url=https://imemc.org/article/61077/ | access-date=2427 August 20202024}}</ref><ref name="meo2014apr10">{{cite web | title=Cleric Sheikh Raed Salah in new run-in with law | website=MEOMiddle East Online | url=https://middle-east-online.com/en/cleric-sheikh-raed-salah-new-run-law | access-date=24 August 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Salah was convicted three years later of "interrupting" police officers and fined NIS 9,000 as well as given a two-year probation.<ref name = "hz2014apr12"/><ref name="toi2014may19">{{cite web | title=Court fines Arab-Israeli cleric for obstructing police | website=The Times of Israel | date=19 May 2014 | url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/court-fines-arab-israeli-cleric-for-obstructing-police/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
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===2011 arrest in the United Kingdom===
After entering the UK on 28 June 28, 2011, Salah was detained the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/islamic-movement-leader-in-israel-arrested-in-london-1.370246 |title=Islamic Movement Leader in Israel Arrested in London |work=Haaretz |date=29 June 2011|accessdate=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024 |first=Jack |last=Khoury}}</ref> He was due to attend a [[Palestine Solidarity Campaign]] meeting with Labour MPs [[Jeremy Corbyn]], [[Yasmin Qureshi]], and [[Richard Burden]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jun/29/sheikh-raed-salah-arrest-london |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Alan |last=Travis |title=Leading Palestinian activist arrested in London |date=29 June 2011 |access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> He requested to be released on bail, while awaiting the outcome of court proceedings, despite the Home Office Secretary's decision to bar him from the country, was granted on July 15 July and he was released three days later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5irUBcEdp4VJRSHBegBPWCKPtxrxw|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130124164925/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5irUBcEdp4VJRSHBegBPWCKPtxrxw?docId=CNG.887f499000e6a91584af43f31977bd2a.1b1|url-status=dead|titlework=AFP: |title=Hardline Arab-Israeli imam granted bail in Britain |date=15 July 2011|archive-date = 24 January 2013}}</ref><ref name=Guardian1>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jul/15/palestinian-islamic-leader-bail |title=Detained Palestinian Islamic leader to be freed on bail | UK news |work=The Guardian |date= 15 July 2011|accessdate=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024}}</ref> The conditions for his release included wearing an electronic tag, observing a night-time curfew, reporting to immigration officials, and refraining from public-speaking.<ref name=haaretz15>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-k-court-outlines-terms-for-release-of-israel-s-islamic-movement-leader-1.373561 |title=U.K. Court Outlines Terms for Release of Israel's Islamic Movement Leader |work=Haaretz |date=16 July 2011|accessdate=2627 SeptemberAugust 20152024 |first=Danna |last=Harman}}</ref>
Palestinians accused the Israeli government of being behind the arrest. In a statement, Home Secretary [[Theresa May]] said that she sought to have Saleh deported for his extremist views.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=227131 |title=Raed Salah awaits UK deportation after entering despite ban - International - |work=Jerusalem Post |publisher=Jpost.com |date=29 June 2011|access-date=26 September 2015 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110702172615/http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=227131 |archive-date=2011-07-02}}</ref>
A judicial review of the arrest of Salah took place on 30 September 30, 2011 during which the court ruled that Salah was entitled to damages due to wrongful detention. In response, May sought to ban Salah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/52016/shambles-raed-salah-case |title=Shambles: the Raed Salah case|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=21 July 2011|access-date=26 September 2015|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110921013852/http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/52016/shambles-raed-salah-case |archive-date=2011-09-21 |first=Marcus |last=Dysch}}</ref> On October 26 October, an immigration tribunal concluded that May had been justified in her position. The tribunal stated that it is "satisfied that the appellant has engaged in the unacceptable behaviour of fostering hatred which might lead to intercommunity violence in the UK."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/8851362/Banned-preacher-can-be-removed-says-tribunal.html|title=Banned preacher can be removed says tribunal|date=26 October 2011|access-date=3027 OctoberAugust 20112024|first=Tom|last=Whitehead|work=The Telegraph|location=London}}</ref>
Salah successfully appealed the decision. The court ruled that there were no grounds for expelling him nor denying him freedom of speech and that he wasn't a danger to British society.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/jerusalem-babylon/anshel-pfeffer-u-k-jewish-group-should-remember-that-anti-semites-have-rights-too-1.423883 |title=U.K. Jewish group should remember that anti-Semites have rights too |authorfirst=Anshel |last=Pfeffer |date=12 April 2012 |work=[[Haaretz]] |location=Tel Aviv |accessdate=1427 AprilAugust 20122024 }}</ref>
=== 2017 sermon and arrest ===
In August 2017, a month after Salah was released from prison, having served a nine-month sentence for his 2007 sermon in East Jerusalem, he was again arrested. This time on allegations of membership in an illegal organization (the Northern Branch) and of inciting to terror over a sermon he gave in July the same year in which he praised the "martyrs of Al-Aqsa" and those guarding it.<ref name="memo2017aug15">{{cite web | title=Israel re-arrests Sheikh Raed Salah | website=Middle East Monitor | date=15 August 2017 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170815-israel-re-arrests-sheikh-raed-salah/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="toi2020aug16">{{cite web | title=Islamist firebrand preacher Raed Salah begins prison term for inciting terror | website=The Times of Israel | date=16 August 2020 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/islamist-firebrand-preacher-raed-salah-begins-prison-term-for-inciting-terror/ | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
During the trial, Salah argued that his views were religious opinions and that he did not call for violence.<ref name="toi2020aug16"/> His lawyer said that quoting from the Quran should be protected by [[freedom of speech]], and that it is a matter of interpretation whether such quotes are Islamic discourse or incitement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/1.4385486|trans-title=Sheikh Raed Salah Charged with Incitement to Terror|work=Haaretz|date=24 August 2017 |script-title=he:השייח ראאד סלאח מואשם בהסתה לטרור |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170824180333/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/1.4385486 |archive-date=2017-08-24}}</ref>
On 10 February 10, 2020, a court in Israel sentenced Salah to 28 months in prison for "inciting to terror".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/israel-sentences-islamic-movement-leader-raed-salah-28-months-200210103250740.html|title=Israel sentences Islamic Movement leader Raed Salah to 28 months|work=Al Jazeera|date=10 February 2020}}</ref> An appeals court upheld Salah's conviction and he began serving his sentence on August 4 August.<ref name = "israeltimes2020july21">{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/court-upholds-incitement-conviction-for-islamist-preacher-raed-salah/|title=Court upholds incitement conviction for Islamist preacher Raed Salah|work=Times of Israel|date=16 July 2020|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>
While he was taken to prison, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside in a show of solidarity with their preacher, chanting "Every Muslim and Arab in the world is proud of you — I do not respect the court's decision." [[Jamal Zahalka]], former leader of the Arab-Israeli [[Balad party]], said that Salah was the victim of a witch hunt: "this is another milestone in his political persecution. The [Northern Branch of the] Islamic Movement has been outlawed, now the right to speak is also outlawed."<ref name="toi2020aug16"/>
On 13 December 13, 2021, he was released from prison after having served 16 months of his sentence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211213-israel-frees-firebrand-islamic-cleric-jailed-for-incitement|title=Israel frees firebrand Islamic cleric jailed for incitement|work=France24|agency=AFP|date=13 December 2021|access-date=1327 DecemberAugust 20212024}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Hamed Abu Daabas]]
* [[Islamic Movement in Israel]]
{{Commons category|Raed Salah}}▼
==References==
▲{{Commons category|Raed Salah}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=20em}}