Palestinians remember Arafat

[Scurrilous]

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3167768,00.html

Thousands gather in Ramallah to commemorate former PA Chairman Yasser Arafat, a year after his death. There was no leader like him, current Chairman Abbas says in eulogy to Arafat. 'He led the Palestinian ship to Jerusalem,' he adds.

<snip>

"Thousands of Palestinians gathered Friday at the Mukata'a compound in Ramallah to take part in a rally to commemorate the first anniversary of former Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat's death.

Hundreds of security officers and presidential guard members worked to separate the masses from the area designated for VIPs and guests, while dozens of delegations made their way to the late leader's grave to say prayers or place flowers on the gravestone.

Songs written in Arafat's memory were played during the preparations for the rally, and a huge poster carrying Arafat's image was hung at the Mukata'a. On it was printed a declaration of the Palestinian Authority in which it pledged to carry on in the leader's footsteps.

The central placard that was placed on the stage read: "None among us will forfeit a grain of Jerusalem's sand."

<snip>

"In his eulogy to his predecessor Abbas said that "Arafat's story was like no one else's," and added that Arafat had the special ability to rise from the ashes victorious time and time again.
Arafat, according to Abbas, was "the cavalier of the Palestinian revolution."

[bemildred]

1. The Prisoner of Ramallah

http://www.counterpunch.org/avnery08052003.html