Summer camp teaches Palestinian children to support terror against Israel

In July 2025, at a summer camp in the Aida refugee camp in the West Bank, Palestinian children were greeted by a mural depicting a skeleton wielding a bloody knife and a bomb. This mural, located on a wall surrounding the camp's football field, was part of the Lajee Center's programming, an independent NGO supported by the Mennonite Central Committee. The Lajee Center aims to promote cultural creativity but has been criticized for fostering political ideologies that encourage violence against Israel, portraying the concept of 'resistance' as acceptable. The mural and other painted messages urging resistance and liberation are consistent with Palestinian Media Watch's documentation of the term 'resistance' as a euphemism for terror. In addition to the alarming images, the camp's shirts adorned with slogans and logos further instilled a narrative of struggle against Israel. The Lajee Center received no funding from Palestinian political groups to maintain its independence. However, it does advocate for the Palestinian right of return as per United Nations' resolutions and engages in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. These initiatives align with the ideology of many foreign football fan clubs that have collaborated with the center, like the Bukaneros and the Green Brigade, known for their strong political statements against Israel. The Lajee Center also emphasizes sports as a means to promote hope and bridge cultural divides. Nonetheless, the activities and messages expressed within the summer camp starkly contrast those principles, as the symbolism used seems to foster division rather than reconciliation, especially as it portrays Israel negatively through various forms of art and messaging. The coexistence of sporting promotions and violent imagery illustrates the complex socio-political atmosphere where education for children is intertwined with nationalistic and militant narratives aimed at delegitimizing Israel. The center’s reliance on foreign sponsorship and strong ties with organizations that mirror similar anti-Israel sentiments raises questions about the long-term effects of these educational approaches on children's perceptions of identity and conflict. Programs that encourage children not only to envision a 'Palestine' that extends into Israel's territory but also to adopt symbols of violence underline an urgent need for introspection regarding the children’s future in a conflicted region. As tensions remain high, it becomes crucial to address how narratives are constructed and conveyed to the younger generation, as shaping youth perspectives may lead to ongoing cycles of conflict.