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On the Passing of Arafat

Vol. 1, No. 4--Post-Election, 2004

PDA extends its condolences to all Palestinians on the passing of Yasser Arafat and shares the hope that peace in the region, built on mutual recognition and respect, and including an autonomous Palestinian state, is something that will be achieved in the near future.

As James Zogby wrote for the Arab American Institute (http://www.aaiusa.org/):

"Yasser Arafat’s life and death tracked the history of his beleaguered people. For over four decades, he led a movement committed to Palestinian self-determination. Refusing to accept the fate that others had determined for them, Palestinians, under Arafat’s leadership, sought dignity and justice.

"While he was revered or respected throughout most of the world, because of prejudice and politics he was reviled in the United States. Too often he became a convenient scapegoat or was demonized not only by political opponents, but also in popular culture. History, we are confident, will present a far more balanced picture and preserve his legacy as a leader who loved and was loved by his people for the sacrifices they collectively made in their determination to return to Palestine."

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