The Second Intifada and Hamas
Hamas, the largest militant Islamic organization committing terror attacks in Israel and the territories, was founded in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmad Yassin with the beginning of the first Palestinian uprising. This wave of violence, also known as the Intifada, was initiated with the intention of driving the Israelis out of the West Bank and other land held by the State of Israel.
While the group itself claims to be a legitimate force of resistance fighting to liberate Palestine from an oppressive occupying force, its tactics, which include attacks on troops, settlers and civilians have led western countries to categorize Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Hamas is divided into two factions, one political, the other military. The political wing of the organization focuses mostly on social programs such as building hospitals, schools and religious centers. The line between these two factions, however begins to blur upon closer examination. The schools they run, for example, teach the virtues of suicide attacks starting from kindergarten and posted on the walls are signs reading: "The children of the kindergarten are the shaheeds (holy martyrs) of tomorrow."
The beginning of the Second Intifada, starting on September 29, 2000, was marked by a dramatic increase in the number and intensity of attacks by Hamas and other armed militant groups.
Hamas is officially named in the United States State Department list of foreign terrorist organizations. According to the State Department, it is illegal to provide funds or other material support to anyone on this list, and U.S. financial institutions are required to block funds of any such organization and to report the blockage to the U.S. Department of the Treasury; failure to do so is a violation of federal law.
If a member of your family or someone you know was a victim of terrorist
actions in Israel and you wish to contact the lawyers handling this important
case, please provide the following information so we can respond to your
request.