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Yasser Arafat
About The Programme
Following the death of Yasser Arafat, his legacy as leader for the Palestinian people is explored in this show.
Find out about Arafat's early beginnings and how he became one of the greatest statesmen in the world, beloved by some and detested by others.
Life and Times
Arafat was one of the richest political leaders in the world. He appears in the business magazine Forbes' annual list of the wealthiest Kings, Queens and Despots". His wealth is an estimated " $300 million", placing Arafat sixth on the list in 2003.
He was one of seven children born to a merchant. A birth certificate discovered at Cairo University reveals that Arafat was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1929. However, some still support the claim that Arafat was born in Jerusalem, although even his authorized biographer, Alan Hart, says he was born in Cairo.
As a teenager, Arafat was involved in assisting Palestinian fighters resisting Jewish attempts to take control over Palestine. It has been reported that young Arafat helped smuggle weapons to the fighters in the 1948 war.
In 1958, following his graduation with an engineering degree, Arafat got employment in Kuwait. There, he met several Palestinian figures such as Abu Jihad and Abu Eiad and discussed with them the establishment of the Palestine National Liberation Movement "Fatah". Later, he went back to Palestine to meet a group of Palestinian activists and announced the launching of the Fatah movement on the 1st of Jan 1965.
By forming Fatah, Arafat sought to attract more international attention to the plight of his people and also the Palestinian refugees.
Fatah launched its military actions against Israel from various Arab territories. Arafat believed that armed struggle was the only option left for the Palestinians to regain their lands and freedom.
Arafat has always insisted that Palestinians were the only people to manage the war with Israel. This stance has often been a source of conflict between him and various Arab leaders.
The Man In Words
"Find whatever strength you have to terrorize your enemy."
In a speech to boost morale amongst Palestinians
"Let it collapse, it will be the fault of Israel and the Americans."
Words of warning to Edward G. Abington, a former US State Department official
"This child, who is grasping the stone, facing the tank, is it not the greatest message to the world when that hero becomes a martyr? We are proud of them."
Regarding the future of the Palestinian Authority
"This is my homeland - no one can kick me out."
Reply to Ariel Sharon's threat to expel him from the occupied territories
"Whoever stands for a just cause and fights for the freedom and liberation of his land from the invaders, settlers and colonialists cannot possibly be called a terrorist."
Speech to United Nations