Chris Bandak
Chris Bandak (Arabic: كريس البندك; born January 13, 1979) is a Palestinian militant, who was convicted in Israel for shooting at Israeli motorists, killing two and seriously wounding a third, during the Second Intifada.[1][2] He is a Greek Orthodox Christian.[2]
Life
Bandak was born into a Palestinian Christian family on January 13, 1979 in Bethlehem. He was born near the Church of the Nativity, said to mark the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth, and his parents gave him the name Chris through its association with messiahship and since they believe Jesus to be of Palestinian descent as well as a savior of the Palestinians. He has an older brother named Khader. Chris' mother abandoned them when he was one years old. He was reportedly a leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and the Tanzim, both resistance wings of the Fatah movement. As a result of conviction for crimes related to this involvement he was imprisoned by Israel on February 6, 2003.[3][4][5]
He was released in 2011 as part of an exchange for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.[1]
References
- 1 2 Schlussel, Debbie. "HAMAS' (& Fatah's) Christian Terrorists: Meet Chris Al-Bandak of the Shalit Trade". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- 1 2 Miskin, Maayana (5 July 2009). "PA Minister: Muslims, Christians Fighting Jews Together". Arutz Sheva. Israel. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
- ↑ "PA minister visits family of imprisoned Palestinian Christian". Ma'an News Agency. Palestinian Territories. 4 July 2009. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
- ↑ A People Without a Country: Voices from Palestine - Page 28, Marian Saadeh, Harry Katz - 2011
- ↑ A Season in Bethlehem: Unholy War in a Sacred Place, Joshua Hammer - 2004