Yasser Arafat Foundation Presents The Story of Yasser (26/1/2021)

2021-01-26

Yasser Arafat Foundation premiered The Story of Yasser on Tuesday, 26 January 2021. Created for children, the film features a simple narrative that summarizes the most important phases of the life of Yasser Arafat in relation to the Palestinian national cause. 

Dr. Nasser Alkidwa, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, introduced the film,  emphasizing the special attention the Foundation gives to the children of Palestine in much of its work, through special programs, such as the summer camps, the National Knowledge Competition for school  students, and exhibitions designed specifically for children, the last of which was Ammar’s Corner. The Foundation’s websites are user friendly and feature a virtual tour of the Yasser Arafat Museum, created during the pandemic. 

Dr. Alkidwa noted that the film was developed for the children of Palestine, the Arab countries and their friends throughout the world.  In his remarks, he called attention to the many ways Palestinian children have clearly demonstrated remarkable creativity and stressed the importance of providing them with trust and more opportunities. Moreover, he emphasized that engaging in dialogue with the Palestinian community is the basis of the work of the Foundation and that the programs it offers contributes to preserving Yasser Arafat's legacy and making it accessible to adults and children to strengthen the Palestinian national identity. 

At the end of the premiere, Palestinian Minister of Culture Dr. Atef Abu Saif, observed that Yasser Arafat lives on in the Palestinian people, and every Palestinian has their own personal story of him; there is no leader eternal in the memory of his people like Yasser Arafat, the creator of the real Palestinian national entity . He pointed out that such productions are important – to impress upon the consciousness of children the image of Yasser Arafat, who represents Palestine, its cause, and the principles for which he fought.

The premiere was held in Al-Muntada Hall at Yasser Arafat Museum and was attended by Foundation and Museum  Board of Directors member Mrs. Intissar Al-Wazir (Um Jihad), Ramallah City Mayor Eng. Musa Hadid, Palestinian Ministry of Education representative  Mr. Sadeq Al Khdour, as well as a limited number of writers, intellectuals , journalists and children in adherence to health safety measures and social distancing.  The premiere was live streamed over Zoom to a broad international audience. 

The Story of Yasser consists of nine five-minute episodes, with a simple narrative that relates the story of the founding leader Yasser Arafat from birth until martyrdom, and was created for the children of Palestine and the Arab countries and their friends throughout the world . The film was produced by Yasser Arafat Foundation, written by Mr. Anas Abu Rahma, performed by Ms. Shaden Saleem, and directed by Mr. Raed Shurrab.