In a powerful tribute marking the 21st anniversary of the martyrdom of Palestinian leader and national icon Yasser Arafat, Dr. Mohammad Ghareeb, Secretary General of Fatah in Egypt, delivered a heartfelt address at a symposium organized by the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Cairo. The event came a day after Fatah in Egypt held its own commemoration at the movement’s headquarters in the Egyptian capital. Dr. Ghareeb opened his remarks by honoring the memory of the man he described as “the embodiment of Palestinian defiance, the icon of identity, and the symbol of a nation’s unbreakable will.”
He said, “Today, we commemorate a day forever engraved in the history and soul of the Palestinian struggle — the day that marked the end of the journey of an extraordinary man, a legend whose name became synonymous with Palestine itself.” Tracing the roots of Arafat’s journey, Dr. Ghareeb reflected on his early years:
“From Jerusalem, where he was born, to the streets of Cairo’s Sakakini district where he spent his childhood, to Heliopolis where his youth blossomed, and to Cairo University where his national awakening began — every step of Yasser Arafat’s life was a step toward Palestine.” He recounted how Mohammad Yasser Abdel Raouf Dawoud Suleiman Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini, a long name later known simply as Yasser Arafat or Abu Ammar, became “a maker of history, a bearer of pride and dignity, and a beacon for freedom movements around the world.” Dr. Ghareeb spoke passionately about the birth of Fatah, which he described as “the revolution born from the impossible.”
“In Cairo, after the catastrophe of the Nakba that shattered land and dignity, the idea of resistance was reborn. In Kuwait, that idea took form — the birth of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement, Fatah — a movement that mirrors the spirit of its people, carrying the banner of struggle, dignity, and hope.” He affirmed that the sacrifices of the Palestinian people will soon be crowned with freedom:
“The dream that Arafat ignited — a free, independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital — is closer than ever.” Turning his message directly to the late leader, Dr. Ghareeb said:
“To the master of martyrs, your memory will live as long as we live. We remain loyal to your oath, to the blood of martyrs, to our prisoners and wounded heroes. Palestine remains our compass, our heartbeat, and our eternal cause.” He praised President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) as Arafat’s loyal companion and steadfast successor, saying,
“The banner remains high and the flame still burns. Under President Abbas’s firm and courageous leadership, we continue on the path toward independence and freedom.” Addressing Palestinians in Gaza, he sent a message of solidarity and pride:
“To our people in Gaza — steadfast in the face of devastation, hunger, and attempts at displacement — we say, the darkest hour of night is that which precedes the dawn. And dawn will come, by the will of God.” He also saluted the resilience of Palestinians in the West Bank, enduring daily oppression, checkpoints, and settler violence, and extended deep respect to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, calling them “the unyielding symbols of dignity and freedom.” Dr. Ghareeb reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Palestinian people:
“No matter how great the sacrifices, we will go on until the end. We are the rightful heirs of this land — the land of our fathers and forefathers.” Expressing gratitude to President Mahmoud Abbas, he said:
“We stand with you, Mr. President, in your steadfastness and determination as you lead us toward the realization of our independent Palestinian state — in Gaza and the West Bank, with Jerusalem as its eternal capital — under the umbrella of our sole legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization.” Dr. Ghareeb extended heartfelt thanks to Arab and Islamic nations and to all countries and peoples who have stood by the Palestinian cause, rejecting occupation and aggression.
He paid special tribute to Egypt, praising its enduring partnership and leadership: “Our beloved Egypt — your president, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, was among the first to call for an end to the aggression on Gaza and to reject the displacement of our people. Egypt opened its doors to our wounded and mobilized all its efforts for our cause. To Egypt — with its ancient civilization, proud history, and shining present — we send our love, gratitude, and admiration.” He concluded his address with a message of unity and resilience:
“Glory and eternity to our martyrs, freedom to our brave prisoners, and speed recovery to our wounded heroes.
Long live Palestine, long live Egypt, and long live our Arab nation.”
