Fatah Movement – Egypt Region and the Yasser Arafat Foundation in Egypt held a symposium in Cairo to mark the 21st anniversary of the martyrdom of the late Palestinian leader and symbol, President Yasser Arafat “Abu Ammar.” The event, held at Fatah’s headquarters in Cairo, drew a large attendance of Fatah leaders and members, Palestinian community representatives, institutions, and former prisoners and exiles residing in Egypt.
Dr. Mohammad Ghareeb, Secretary General of Fatah in Egypt, welcomed attendees to what he called “the home of Fatah, the home of Palestine.” He emphasized that commemorating the anniversary of Yasser Arafat’s passing is a renewal of the pledge to continue his national struggle. Ghareeb described Arafat as a symbol of defiance and sacrifice, a tragic hero in a long Palestinian epic who transformed despair into hope, reinforcing Palestinian identity and the dream of independence.
He paid tribute to President Mahmoud Abbas “Abu Mazen,” Arafat’s comrade and successor, praising his continued determination to achieve the goals of statehood and Palestinian national rights.
Dr. Ghareeb also extended deep appreciation to the Arab Republic of Egypt and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for their steadfast support of the Palestinian cause and their historic role—government, army, and people—in defending Palestinian rights, rejecting displacement schemes, and working to halt the aggression on Gaza. He affirmed that Arab unity remains a fundamental pillar of Palestinian resilience and struggle against the occupation.
Addressing the issue of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, Ghareeb praised their sacrifices and resilience, calling them the “symbol of national dignity,” and reaffirmed that their freedom will remain a national priority. He saluted the steadfast people of Gaza and the West Bank, expressing confidence that “relief and victory are near.”
Major General Arabi Kloub, Director of the Yasser Arafat Foundation in Egypt, also spoke about the late leader’s legacy, stressing that Arafat’s voice still resonates in the hearts of Palestinians and the Arab world. “Yasser Arafat, the man of the keffiyeh, the bearer of the rifle and the cause, made Fatah a global symbol of liberation movements,” he said.
Kloub highlighted Arafat’s role in building the Palestinian national entity and his unwavering belief in Palestinian unity, describing him as “an ever-burning flame in the march of national struggle.” He added that Arafat’s support for global liberation movements remains a testament to his enduring humanitarian and revolutionary spirit.
He expressed gratitude to Egypt and President El-Sisi for their firm stance against the displacement of Palestinians and for their continued commitment to Arab unity. He also thanked President Mahmoud Abbas for his steadfast leadership and extended respect and admiration to Palestinian prisoners for their sacrifices.
Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt, Diab Al-Louh, also addressed the gathering, thanking Fatah and the Yasser Arafat Foundation for organizing the national event. “We meet today in the house of Fatah—the movement that founded the modern Palestinian national struggle—and it is our duty to preserve its legacy,” he said.
Al-Louh underscored the importance of defending the rights of Palestinian refugees and called for strengthening national unity behind President Mahmoud Abbas to confront challenges and safeguard Palestinian national principles. He also expressed deep appreciation to Egypt for its unwavering support of the Palestinian people and their just cause.
Ibrahim Abu Al-Naja, Governor of Gaza, spoke about Arafat’s lifelong dedication to Palestine and his leadership in the struggle for national liberation. He recalled key milestones in Arafat’s life, including the launch of the armed struggle, the Battle of Karameh, the steadfastness in Beirut, and the pursuit of peace and statehood under the leadership of President Abbas.
The event concluded with a documentary film chronicling Yasser Arafat’s life and revolutionary journey, followed by a poem dedicated to the late leader by poet Abdul Qader Faris.
