This story is attributed to the reporter on Arab affairs, Tzvi Yechezkeli, today a fully observant Jew, who related it in one of his interviews, regarding the person instrumental in his return to his roots. His interviewee was one of the top men of the Palestinian terror organizations of Judea and Samaria, Zechariya Zaveidi (who was just arrested by Security agents for his involvement in several terrorist acts during that period).
During in the Second Intifadah, some 16 years ago, Yechezkeli visited the territories as a reporter, where he met Zaveidi. It was shortly after the IDF eliminated his deputy and Zaveidi announced that the first Jew he met up with would get a bullet in his head. When he confronted Yechezkeli, he fired above his head and then made a rapprochement sulcha, with him.
Yechezkeli asked him, "Did you really intend to kill me?"
Zaveidi replied, "You are a Jew."
Yechezkeli said, "I define myself as a man of the world, a reporter."
Zaveidi said, "As far as I am concerned, you are first and foremost a Jew."
And Yechezkeli now says that his first step towards teshuva was launched then and there by Zechariya Zaveidi.
And now, when Yechezkeli is invited to speak to Palestinian youth, he begins with the story whose irony and sarcasm become apparent in the end with an incisive parable:
"Before I begin my speech, I want to tell you a story. As you know, the Jews lived in the desert for forty years and finally reached the Jordan River. Before they were about to enter the Land, a handful of Jews entered the water, only to discover when they emerged that their clothing had disappeared.
"They soon learned that Palestinians had stolen their clothing."
At this point, shouts arise from his audience. "Lies! There weren't any Palestinians at the time!"
And Yechezkeli parries, "And here is where I begin my speech..."
