The flyer, posted on Instagram, appeared to depict sketches similar to Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist Leila Khaled and deceased Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeidah.
By Shula Rosen
The Maryland chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association (SRA) is facing scrutiny after advertising a firearms training day with imagery resembling well-known Palestinian terrorists.
The flyer, posted on Instagram to promote a September 21 event, appeared to depict sketches similar to Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist Leila Khaled and deceased Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeidah.
The range day was described as an opportunity for participants of Middle Eastern and North African origin to learn basic firearms safety and first aid.
However, the promotional poster included figures with distinct resemblances to notorious figures in Palestinian terrorist groups.
One of the sketches closely matches the famous portrait of Khaled, who became an icon for hijacking airplanes in the 1970s and has been celebrated in certain extremist circles.
The only difference between the original image and the flyer version is that the keffiyeh on the flyer covers the lower face.
The likeness is similar to the picture used on the Sindhi language Wikipedia entry for Khaled.
Another figure in the poster, shown without a weapon, appears similar to Abu Obeidah, the masked Hamas spokesperson who frequently appeared in military fatigues with a red keffiyeh covering his face.
The sketch’s resemblance to Obeidah’s well-known public persona drew immediate attention.
Critics say the flyer sends an alarming message by visually linking a U.S.-based firearms training event to figures tied to hijackings, attacks, and propaganda against Israel.
The poster also featured other individuals depicted with guns, reinforcing the impression of terrorist symbolism.
The Maryland SRA described the event as a community-building initiative meant to provide firearm safety training and medical preparedness for people of South West Asian and North African descent.
Still, the choice of imagery sparked concern among observers who view it as glorifying violent figures associated with Palestinian terrorism.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!