PALESTINIAN SOCIETY SUPPORTS TERROR: Terror cannot exist in the long term without support from the society from which it emerges and in whose name it operates. Palestinian society, on all levels, is giving the current wave of terrorism a warm embrace, and maintaining its momentum. President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian leadership justify terror attacks as "popular resistance" in statements of support of the supposed "martyrs," who are looked up to as heroes and whose families receive financial benefits. Full color posters with their pictures are distributed in cities and villages. The funerals of these "martyrs" include escorts fit for a king - accompanied by an armed and uniformed honor guard and surrounded by thousands of supporters chanting slogans supporting the "struggle." There are rallies about once a week on university campuses in support of the "heroes." In this atmosphere, there is no chance that Mahmoud Abbas or any other Palestinian leader will condemn terror, let alone call for an end to violence. (Ynet)