A baby born to a Muslim family in Bethlehem is causing quite a stir:
The boy has gained attention for being born with a large birthmark across his cheek that roughly forms in Arabic letters the name of his uncle, Ala, a Hamas militant killed by Israeli troops after he was suspected of having planned a suicide bombing.
The family, devout Muslims, called it a divine message of support for the Palestinians against Israel, although some local Christians preparing for subdued Christmas observances have quietly dismissed it as lacking religious significance.
God was unavailable for comment. A spokesman confirmed the Almighty had to leave in order to "appear in a tortilla in Mexico."
Statements made by the kid's family, and the presence of several thousand Muslims at his house would appear to give lie to remarks made by "local Christians." It might not have religious significance to you guys setting up the candles on Jesus' birthday cake, but these people seem to take it pretty seriously.
Which, of course, is part of the problem:
Despite the commotion, the imam from the camp's main mosque entered the crowded living room, traced a finger along the swirling birthmark -- which finishes behind the baby's right ear -- and pronounced it a "gift from God."
The story goes on to say that the child was also named for his dead uncle. No pressure, kid. Still, as much as I'm inclined to pronounce young Ala screwed, I can see three possible outcomes:
1. Completely gives his life over to Allah, culminating in another asinine suicide bombing death. A "martyr" is born.
2. He grows up Muslim, but quietly withdraws from the radical front lines in an attempt to lead a peaceful, nondescript life somewhere.
3. Opens "Ala's Al-Jizzateria," the first gay porn video store in Jeruslaem following the peace treaty of 2021.
I'm holding out hope for #3, but I'd settle for #2.
Ah, just read the story. Looks like the hamas uncle didn't blow himself up; he was shot to death for suspected planning in suicide bombings. But he was shot about 8 months ago... that sly fox.
Praise the lord!! My faith has been fully restored after reading the article and your commentary.
Any child raised poor, uneducated, having no significant job prospects, surrounded by ethnic hate, and the absolutism of a fundamentalist religious belief is at serious risk to blow somthing up sooner or later.
However, it would be ironic if the birth mark was instead a divine "scarlet letter." I wonder if ol' Ala blew himself sometime around 9 months ago.