Hundreds welcome back Hafez Kundus, who served 28 years for attempting to kill Arab who sold land to Jews; ´I encourage prisoners on hunger strike to continue protest; we will triumph,´ he tells Ynet

Hafez Kundus, who was released Monday after serving 28 years in prison for attempting to murder an Arab from Jaffa who had sold land that belonged to the Waqf (Muslim religious trust) to Jews, was received with fireworks and chants of Allahu Akbar in his hometown.

Two sheep were slaughtered during the celebration, and drinks and sweets were handed out by the hundreds of celebrators.

Kundus, 52, who was deemed a threat to state security by the court due to the severe offenses he was convicted of, told Ynet "the time I spent in prison was the best of my entire life. Today I came home, but I left behind prisoners who have been on a hunger strike for more than three weeks. It is painful to be released at such a difficult time.

"I wish to praise all the Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank for taking a strong stance, and I encourage them to continue (the protest) without giving up, because eventually we will be triumphant," he said after arriving at his home and kissing his mother´s feet.

The residents of Jaffa plan to hold another celebration in Kundus´ honor on Thursday. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 05/14/12)