Report on the Interrogation of Michael Murphy

Suspect has been under surveillance due to suspicions that he could be setting up a safe house to replace the one exposed by the arrest of Michael Walsh on Nov. 5, 1998. Said surveillance revealed a phone call placed to Murphy by an unknown person from a pay phone at 56^th St and Broadway (212-555-0473). The conversation was conducted in Irish Gaelic and mentioned activity that would begin on Dec. 14. Other elements of the conversation (see attached transcript of phone call for details) appeared to tie into a current investigation by our American counterparts. As such, a copy of the transcript was shared and, indeed, seemed to prove a connection between Murphy and a group of pro-Palestinian terrorists in New York City.

Upon further questioning, Murphy revealed that a Seamus O’Rourke of Derry had recommended that someone going by the name of Ibraham el-Hassad contact him. O’Rourke is believed to be an alias used by IRA member Seamus Connelly.

Murphy claims to have only met with el-Hassad once on November 2. At the meeting, el-Hassad asked if Murphy could obtain some information on personnel and members at various synagogues, preferably by setting up "interfaith holiday celebrations." Murphy contends that el-Hassad had very little preference as to which synagogues were contacted but suggested that perhaps a "sister church" arrangement could be made akin to "sister city" programs. He did, however, want information on habits, patterns and residences of a minimum of 32 people from the various congregations, more if possible. Information on the entire families of the rabbis and/or cantors was suggested as a way to simplify the process. Murphy insisted that he has no idea what el-Hassad wants with the information and that el-Hassad refused all offers of further help. He did, however, insist that he needed the information by Dec. 12 at the latest.

Murphy had various colleagues contact several synagogues, proposing the interfaith celebration. The synagogues contacted were:

                                         Temple Darchei Noam
                                         Temple Beth Israel
                                         Temple Beth Sholom
                                         Temple Ohr Torah
                                         Congregation B’Nai Sholom
                                         Temple Ahavat Yisrael
                                         Temple Aish Kodesh
                                         Shaare Zion of Manhattan

In exchange for the information, el-Hassad was paying Murphy $60,000—$20,000 up front, $20,000 upon delivery of the information and the remaining $20,000 on Dec. 14. The money was paid in cash. When asked why he was helping el-Hassad, Murphy ranted a bit about the brotherhood of freedom fighters against occupying tyrants.