In an exclusive Tampa Bay engagement, former PLO terrorist, Walid Shoebat, will offer insight as to the causes and effects of terrorism. Shoebat, at great risk today, speaks on behalf of Israel.

The program will be held at:

Congregation B’Nai Israel

300 58^{th Street North, St. Petersburg}

Monday, December 13, 2004 at 7:00pm

There is no cost to attend. Reservations are required and may be made by e-mail to: Ateam@tampabay.rr.com or by calling the Synagogue office at 727.381.4900. No one will be admitted without reservations

For photo availability and background materials relating to programs, please call media contact listed at the top of this release.

Born in Bethlehem in 1960, Walid was inculcated with hatred of Jews and Israel. He began attacking Israelis at the age of 8, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails. A few years later, as a member of the terrorist group, Fatah, he participated in anti-Israel riots and lynch mobs. Shoebat describes an Islamic terrorist in the making – a product of his environment, including schools, media and mosques that preached hatred of Jews.

In 1993, Walid studied the Old Testament as part of a challenge to convert his wife to Islam. After months and intense study, Walid realized everything he learned about Jewish people was incorrect. Convinced he was on the side of evil, Walid Shoebat soon became an advocate for his former enemy, the Israelis. Currently, Walid is dedicated to denouncing Arab anti-Semitism and speaking out in defense of the Jewish people's right to the land of Israel.

"The world does not see the truth about what's happening in the West Bank," commented Shoebat in a recent radio interview. "My purpose is to tell the West that they aren't getting the real picture, that what they're seeing is propaganda. I know the truth because I was there. I was part of it. And the truth is, we wanted to kill Jews long before the occupation. I wanted to kill Jews." Now he wants to help provide a greater understanding of what is really happening in the Middle East with realistic suggestions on how the situation can improve. He continues to speak out across the country about Muslim hate and PLO violence, although he realizes his life is in danger daily. "Even my father has disowned me," says Shoebat, who adds, "He tells me I should be killed."

Shoebat said he is haunted by the memory of the day when he nearly clubbed to death an Israeli soldier in Beit Sahur, a village in Bethlehem. "We were throwing stones and the soldier tried to catch us but we got him," Shoebat recalled. "I had a club and pounded him in the head with it until the club broke." Finally, the soldier got to his feet and ran to safety. Shoebat said he wants to find the soldier to apologize for his actions and ask for his forgiveness.

According to Sheldon Scheinert, co-chair of the Advocacy for Israel Committee, "Here is an opportunity to hear the truth behind the propaganda from a man who has lived it."

This free event is sponsored by The Jewish Community Center of Pinellas County under the auspices of the Advocacy for Israel Committee. Reservations are required and may be made by e-mail to: Ateam@tampabay.rr.com or by calling the Synagogue office at 727.381.4900. No one will be admitted without prior reservations. \

Additional resources

Web site: http://www.tampabayprimer.org/shoebat.htm
http://www.shoebat.com

 Contact: Bruce A. Epstein, M.D.  727-545-1200 Fax: 727-545-5999

Email: padre@tampabay.rr.com