The Yasser Arafat Foundation commemorated the birth anniversary of the Jerusalemite national leader Othman Abu Gharbieh today, Wednesday, 19 August 2026, at the Al-Muntada Hall in the Yasser Arafat Museum. The ceremony commenced with the Palestinian national anthem, followed by a minute of silence and the recitation of Al-Fatiha for the souls of all Palestinian martyrs. The event was attended by members of the PLO Executive Committee, members of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, alongside prominent public figures, writers, and activists. Delivering the Foundation's address, Dr. Ahmad Soboh, Chairman of the Board, remarked: "From the Al-Muntada Hall, steps away from the tomb and final bunker of our founding President, the Foundation commemorates the birth of the national leader Othman Abu Gharbieh. He is the third companion of the journey we honour this year, 2026, marking five consecutive years of this tradition. The Foundation prides itself on being a core pillar in strengthening our national narrative and offering a token of loyalty to the lifelong companions of our founding President." Soboh fondly recalled his first meeting with the late Abu Gharbieh during the inaugural Fatah branch conference in Spain, noting that their connection remained unbroken both in the diaspora and upon returning home. He highlighted the deeply human, organizational, and literary traits of "Abu al-Abd", whose relationship with Fatah dated back to 1963. Abu Gharbieh undertook numerous military, resistance, and organizational roles throughout his life and held senior positions within the Fatah movement and the Palestinian Authority.

Speaking on behalf of Abu Gharbieh's companions, Abdel Moneim Hamdan, former member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, stated: "No matter how much we say about our late friend Abu Abdullah, we cannot do him justice. He was a multifaceted leader whose history is rich with struggles that would take immense time to fully recount; yet we reaffirm that, above all, he was an honest, unifying, and thoroughly dedicated patriot." Hamdan recounted pivotal milestones in Abu Gharbieh’s life, both abroad and domestically, noting that his journey can be viewed across four continuous, integrated phases: military and political engagement, organizational work within Fatah, intellectual contributions, and his life dedicated in and for Jerusalem, a phase that defined his distinct national and resistance presence. Hamdan concluded by thanking the Yasser Arafat Foundation for its tireless efforts in keeping the memory and national legacy of Palestinian leaders alive, free from any political bias.

Representing the family, his eldest son, Abdullah, who resides in Australia, shared poignant memories of his father as a parent, role model, and primary teacher. He noted that his father taught him that dignity is preserved through principles and that a person's stature is measured by their character. Abdullah touched upon the harsh trials his father endured throughout his political and revolutionary path, emphasizing that despite these tribulations, his father maintained a profoundly compassionate heart full of warmth and love. He also recalled the tight family bonds Abu Gharbieh shared with his grandchildren, noting that his advice to them always centred on love and the homeland. Abdullah described his father as a national leader who dedicated his life to the cause of the steadfast Palestinian people, calling him a unifying political figure who never compromised on his principles, with Jerusalem remaining the central focus of his attention. He cited his father’s famous maxim: "Positions are fleeting, but honest principles endure," reflecting that ten years after his father's passing, he realized a man is not measured by the length of his life, but by the benevolent impact and memories he leaves behind. Abdullah closed by expressing his appreciation to the management and staff of the Yasser Arafat Foundation. Prior to the event, the Foundation inaugurated a photo exhibition documenting Abu Gharbieh’s life, and screened a documentary film produced by the Foundation titled "Farewell, Abu Abdullah."