The Yasser Arafat Foundation commemorated the birthday of the national struggler Samiha Khalil on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Forum Hall of the Yasser Arafat Museum.

The event began with the Palestinian national anthem, followed by a minute of silence and the recitation of Al-Fatiha for the soul of the late President Yasser Arafat, national struggler Samihah Khalil, and all Palestinian martyrs.

Owda Masharqa, the General Director of the Yasser Arafat Foundation, welcomed the attendees, stating: "Today, the Yasser Arafat Foundation commemorates the birthday of the late Samiha Khalil in the lair of President Yasser Arafat and near the gates of Jerusalem, reaffirming the importance of continuing the path of Yasser Arafat and his comrades, as they are an integral part of the Palestinian national narrative."

He added, "Despite the ongoing bloodshed in Palestine and the genocide our people are facing in Gaza, there is a Palestinian will that we draw inspiration from, especially through the memory of our comrades' birthdays."

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Yasser Arafat Foundation, Dr. Ahmed Soboh, Chairman of the Board, said: "From Al-Muntada Hall, near the grave of the founding President and his final trench, the Foundation commemorates the Oak of Palestine, Samiha Khalil,  through the 'Companions of the Path' program. He continued: "Today, we salute the Christian people of our land, the salt of the earth, on this Easter occasion."

Dr. Soboh added that the distinctive characteristics of Samiha Khalil’s life and personality spanned the geography of Palestine. She was a self-made woman who established and founded numerous charitable and women’s organizations in Palestine.

He noted that by commemorating her, we honor voluntary work, steadfastness on the land, and women's activism in the face of the pivotal phase the Palestinian cause is going through.

He further emphasized that Samihah Khalil’s candidacy for the presidency of the Palestinian Authority against Yasser Arafat reflected her iron will and represented the Palestinian woman.

Dr. Soboh stressed the importance of national unity, which Um Khalil advocated through the institutions she established in various locations.

He recalled that she was chosen to be part of the first Palestinian National Council with Ahmed Shukeiri in Jerusalem due to her significant role, and that she attended many conferences in which she represented the State of Palestine. He also mentioned that when talking about Samiha Khalil, we must remember the 'Inash al-Usra Association' she founded in 1965.

This commemoration is in honor and gratitude for what Samiha Khalil contributed to Palestine and its cause, as she remained loyal to the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, paying the price through arrest and administrative detention for years.

On her part, Reem Al-Masrouji, Chairwoman of the Inash al-Usra Association, expressed her gratitude to the Yasser Arafat Foundation for its dedication to preserving our memory by commemorating the birthdays of the president's comrades and symbols of Palestine, including the late struggler Samiha Khalil.

Al-Masrouji added: "The term resistance is linked to the Palestinian people because we have no other choice but to endure, resist, and stay rooted in the land. This is what Samiha Khalil exemplified through her community practices, and we remain firm that, despite the practices of the Zionist occupying power, they will never erase us from history or geography."

She emphasized that Samiha Khalil established the Inash al-Usra Association 60 years ago to support the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, presenting a model for Palestinian women and their resilience.

Al-Masrouji confirmed that Samiha Khalil had a long history in political, social, cultural, and women's activism, and her candidacy for the presidency was the culmination of her long-standing work.

On behalf of the family, her son Saji Khalil delivered a speech, saluting the Palestinian people suffering in Gaza, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jenin, Tulkarm, and all the cities of Palestine. He thanked the Yasser Arafat Foundation, its staff, and all those involved in the event for commemorating one of Palestine’s pioneers.

Saji recalled some aspects of his mother's life, saying: "In the family aspect, she considered the family the cornerstone of a healthy society, which cannot be good unless it is built on national foundations. She loved her family deeply and was central and pivotal in her role. She managed the household as if it were a social institution, and she was a woman of tremendous will and strength, proud of her personality."

He added: "My mother had a leadership quality and a sincere ability to persuade."

In the public sphere, he noted, she had a strong sense of national sentiment and evaluated individuals based on their patriotism. She believed in equality between men and women and was convinced that women possessed many qualities that qualified them for top administrative and political positions.

He also highlighted her initiative to address many societal issues, personally taking on the responsibility of assisting the families of martyrs, prisoners, and wounded, which led to the founding of the Inash al-Asra Association.

Saji emphasized that Samihah never believed in withdrawing from political and national frameworks as a form of protest or rejection; she believed in reform from within, often stating in her lectures and meetings that there is no alternative to the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative.

He concluded by saying that her candidacy for the presidency was a significant recognition of Palestinian women, asserting their immense potential to hold high offices. He added that commemorating her today honors all Palestinian women.

The event also featured a documentary film and a photo exhibition showcasing the life of Samiha Khalil.