Name: Zakaria Mohammad Falah El-Jesrawi

Birth date: 1974

Hometown: Sammou’ village (south of Al-Khalil

Residence: Sammou’

Imprisonment date: 26 Feb 1996

Sentence: Life sentence

Charges: Burning a bus, throwing Molotov bombs at Occupation patrols, executing a Palestinian traitor

The Palestinian resistance movement is accustomed to resistance soldiers and leaders who are successful and distinguished in many fields. And the length of the struggle since the beginning of the British occupation in 1917 has made it a necessity for the resistance to be durable in the face of the overwhelming difficulties and challenges. And so, the Palestinian resistance has a long list of successful physicians, engineers, writers, scholars, religious leaders, journalists, businessmen, skilled laborers and technicians, and sportsmen who excelled in their specialties and made significant contributions to the resistance movement.

These people have refuted the claim that the Palestinian resistance is fed by poor people who are tired of life. The fact is that the resistance is fueled by people who are successful in their lives, but reject oppression and injustice.

Zakaria El-Jesrawi was a very distinguished soccer player from the village of Sammou’, south of Al-Khalil. With modern sports making players celebrities, Zakaria went as far as that could be achieved in Palestine.

Childhood:

 Zakaria was born in Al-Sabr neighborhood in Sammou’ village located 15 kilometers south of the city of Al-Khalil in the southern West Bank. He had 6 brothers and 3 sisters. He enrolled in school but only finished 10^th grade. He left school to work in the construction industry to help provide for himself and his family.

Goalkeeper:

 Zakaria had a number of hobbies. But he excelled in playing soccer. He was the goalkeeper for Al-Hilal Sports Club and Dura Youth Club. He was known for his excellent sportsman skills. At the same time, he maintained a good reputation by staying away from the pitfalls of being a well-known sports figure in the community. Zakaria humorous person who liked to smile and make those around him smile. But he chose his friends with care.

Imprisonment:

 Zakaria was imprisoned twice. The first time was in September 1994. He was interrogated for weeks before being released. The interrogators couldn’t prove their charges of suspicions of Zakaria’s participation in Hamas activities in his village.

The second arrest came in 26 Feb 1996 at midnight as Zakaria was returning home from a visit to a friend. As soon as he entered his home, Zionist army soldiers and undercover agents raided the house. They searched the house thoroughly, and then took Zakaria to Al-Khalil prison. Zakaria was subjected to severe torture and was taken to Al-Ramla hospital for a few days during the interrogation.

After two and half years of deliberations sessions in the occupation’s illegitimate military tribunals, Zakaria was sentenced to life in prison for participating in Hamas activities in the village of Sammou’. He was charged with killing a Palestinian traitor working for the occupation’s security apparatus, throwing Molotov bombs at occupation patrols and settler cars, and burning a bus for a Zionist company.

Aftermath:

 Zakaria’s family suffered the loss of a son. But the tragedy didn’t end there. Occupation forces raided their house continuously. During these raids, soldiers ransacked the house and intimidated family members. In addition, two of Zakaria’s brothers were imprisoned several times and released. Zakaria’s family was prevented from visiting him. Only the mother was allowed to visit her son after 4 years.

And in prison, Zakaria continued to excel in sports. He won the prison’s table tennis championship. In addition, he continued his education and finished secondary school. However, financial reasons prevented him from continuing his university education. Nonetheless, he is an avid reader.