The Board of Directors of Yasser Arafat Foundation held its 37th meeting on the 1st of May 2017 in Amman, Jordan.  The meeting was headed by Dr. Nasser Alkidwa, Chairman of the Board and attended by most of its members.

During the meeting, the Board affirmed its continuous support to the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have launched a collective hunger strike in demand of their basic human rights, dignity and freedom.  Members also emphasized the need to focus on Jerusalem, through supporting its people, resisting settler colonialism and its isolation in the national context.  They addressed as well the importance of ending the division among the Palestinian people, restoring political unity and supporting all efforts to achieve independence and exercise of sovereignty.

The Board also discussed the work of the Foundation’s committees:  Museum Committee, Achievement Award Committee, Research and Studies Committee, and the Endowment Committee.  They highlighted the progress of the Museum and its important role in presenting a national and educational setting for all visitors.  Members also discussed new methods to develop the performance of the committees by implementing cultural and national programs, including Yasser Arafat’s summer camps. 

With regard to the financial status of the Foundation, the Board presented an estimated budget and approved some financial procedures to respond to that budget.  After receiving and renovating Yasser Arafat’s house in Gaza, the Board further discussed the opening of a new branch of the Foundation there.  

The Board members ended the meeting by referring to the tenth anniversary of the establishment of Yasser Arafat Foundation and the development of its national institution and administrative structure. 

It is important to note that throughout the years, the Foundation held ten annual meetings for its Board of Trustees and 37 meetings for its Board of Directors, aiming to grow and preserve the heritage of our late President Yasser Arafat.