TEENS ENCOURAGED TO AIM FOR 'MARTYRDOM' HONOR ROLL:

Schools have honor rolls that list students who reach certain grade levels or achievements, cities sometimes even acknowledge the accomplishments of their local star performers. So does the Palestinian Authority, which cites those who achieve martyrdom. "Sixteen succeeded the martyrdom (shahada) of the homeland and withstood its difficult tests, for death as a martyr is the path to excellence and greatness, and the path of those who know how to reach the great victory,” said WAFA, the official PA news agency. The encouragement to students was cited by the Palestinian Media Watch as well as the Middle East Media Research Institute. PMW’s Itamar Marcus wrote, "Since fear of death is a natural inhibiting factor to participating in violence and terror, to mitigate this fear, the Palestinian Authority educates its children that death as a martyr should not be feared. Martyrdom, the PA teaches, is the highest achievement and is more valuable and more rewarded than life itself.” PMW noted that Palestinian terrorists over 2015 and 2016 murdered 40 and injured more than 500. But it pointed out that the teens who died mostly died while attempting violence unsuccessfully. (WND)